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EDUCATION cultural institutions, leading companies, and members of industry ■ SCAD hosts a number of events that connect their students to professionals. implementation. As a result, DAVE School is folding that lesson into its curriculum in order to provide a competitive advantage for its grads. Northern Exposure The Pratt Institute in New York has a diversified group of students in its degree programs, with some stepping into the fine-art worlds and others into the creative industries. For the fine-arts students, the Department of Digital Arts brings gallery curators and working artists to campus for portfolio reviews and critiques. The school also hosts Open Studio events and thesis exhibitions for graduates who are publicized in art sources and publications. Moreover, a professional practices course helps students launch their careers. For the creative industries, the Pratt Show is an annual juried exhibition of exceptional design work by more than 300 graduating students, including digital arts students. The show builds on Pratt's legacy as a design innovator and provides members of industry and the public with the opportunity to see a diverse range of what's next in design. At Pratt Show, animation and motion arts students present their work in a theater and on three other screens in the venue, while students prepare demo reels, business cards, and other material to give to interested industry professionals. In addition to Pratt Show, the school invites industry representatives to campus for portfolio reviews and critiques. "We are also successful at placing interested students in internships, which lead to employment, says Peter Patchen, chair of " the Department of Digital Arts at Pratt Institute. In addition, the school enters student works in screenings and film festivals, where the budding artists and animators routinely win awards. Moreover, Pratt's network of alumni working in the creative industries provides a host of opportunities for the students who want to freelance. Pratt's Center for Continuing and Professional Studies (CCPS) serves adult professionals who are interested in updating their skill sets and staying competitive in an uncertain job market. Since Pratt's computer graphics certificate programs are based in Manhattan, there is a dynamic hub that helps connect the school's students with some of the world's top 38 ■ CGW Novem ber / Dec em ber 2013 that include Pratt's faculty, according to Karen Miletsky, interim director for CCPS. Besides internships, the school provides students with the chance to curate an exhibition of their own work in the CCPS Gallery. As an added bonus, CCPS promotes student work in its marketing and advertising materials. Extended Reach Animation Mentor is an online animation and visual effects school that assigns experienced animation professionals as mentors for its students worldwide. "Landing a job is what we aim to achieve for all of our students, and our Career Services and Industry Relations teams work hard to develop relationships with studios – big and small – all over the world, says Bobby Beck, CEO and " co-founder. "While students wait to hear back from studios, they should not be left without a support network or motivation to keep up their development. For that reason, Anima" tion Mentor has begun to teach its entire community the AMP Pipeline, so its students will be able to create whatever they want with people from any Internet-capable location in the world. Beck notes that is what gives the students the motivation to keep learning and opens up possibilities for their career development. "What can really talented artists create when they are given the tools, facility, and community to do so? We can only imagine great things — and that's why we are so dedicated to our community, says Beck. "They are the future. " " So, it appears that educational institutions are dedicated to their students, not just during their initial months but also throughout their education – and beyond. Schools are taking their roles seriously as educators and as the bridge to supplying the industry with the next generation of talented artists, animators, and game developers. ■ CGW Karen Moltenbrey is the chief editor for CGW. .com ARTICLE: Go to "Extras" in the November/ December 2013 issue box for a story on how schools are preparing students for a professional career