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April 17, 2024
Fostering Diversity in Animation!
LAIKA is
Contributing $60,000
to Support Student
Scholarships and a
New Animation and
Graphics Degree
Portland Community College has an-
nounced a transformative partnership
aimed at fostering diversity and inclusivity
in the animation industry with LAIKA, the
renowned film studio known for its ground-
breaking and award-winning animated
films “Coraline,” “ParaNorman,” “The
Boxtrolls,” “Kubo and the Two Strings”
and “Missing Link.” This collaboration
reaffirms PCC and LAIKA's commitment
to supporting educational initiatives and
promoting equity within the creative arts.
The cornerstone of this partnership is a
$60,000 pledge from LAIKA to the PCC
Foundation. Over two years, LAIKA will
contribute annual gifts of $30,000 to sup-
port the newly established LAIKA Schol-
arship and program funds. This funding
aims to create an associate degree in An-
imation & Motion Graphics, enhancing
educational opportunities for aspiring an-
imators in Oregon.
PCC President Dr. Adrien Bennings
expressed enthusiasm for the partnership,
From left, Multimedia Instructor Eric Fauske, PCC President Dr. Adrien Bennings,
Chief Marketing and Operations Officer David Burke and Production Supervisor
Jesselee Kahaloa.
stating, “This collaboration aligns with
PCC’s commitment to providing accessi-
ble, culturally responsive education. By
working closely with LAIKA, we can en-
sure that our students receive the training
and support they need to succeed in the an-
imation industry.”
This partnership will result in three new
“Animation” and “Stop Motion” courses,
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as well as a proposed Animation & Mo-
tion Graphics Program (the degree is not
state-approved yet). This would provide
students a comprehensive curriculum of-
fering that blends traditional and digital
animation techniques.
“LAIKA is honored to partner with
PCC,” said LAIKA’s Chief Marketing
and Operations Officer David Burke.
“As a community of creators, artists, and
scientists dedicated to advancing the ani-
mation medium, we are delighted to play
a part in fostering the skills, aspirations,
and talents of PCC’s student body. Our
commitment extends to nurturing film
narratives that encompass a wide range
of experiences and to help grow the next
generation of storytellers who will carry
our art form forward. We can’t wait to
offer mentorship and provide the neces-
sary tools for these artists to thrive and
shape the future of animation.”
The partnership would help tap PCC’s
position as a regional hub for digital arts
education. Also, the partnership includes
a PCC Multimedia student focused in-
ternship opportunity and portfolio re-
views with LAIKA, supported by the
Oregon Film Office.
“We are so excited to be partnering
with LAIKA and its innovative pro-
duction studio,” said Erik Fauske, PCC
multimedia instructor. “The scholar-
ship donations and program funds will
provide financial support to incoming
students and equitable access to cut-
ting edge industry tools. LAIKA’s cur-
riculum feedback, portfolio support
and guidance on workflow will impact
students to be job ready with relevant
skills. At Multimedia, we provide an
eclectic array of classes in many areas
of production and we are so excited to
enhance our animation, visual effects,
and motion graphic curriculum.”