Teen Work Readiness

Start on your professional pathway in art and design

Teen work readiness courses teach students how to thrive in college, careers, and future creative opportunities. Complete coursework that mimics real-world projects and applications while gaining essential skills needed for future success–in whatever creative path you take!

A teenaged girl uses a light table to work on an animation drawing.

Save the date

Spring registration opens November 18, 2025.

Course offerings

A series of animation drawings.

VISUAL ARTS: FROM SKETCHBOOK TO STUDIO >

March 21–May 23, 2026
Live meetings via Zoom, Saturdays, 10 am–12 pm ET

A comic illustration panel

COMICS AND ILLUSTRATION: FROM PANELS TO PUBLICATION > 

March 22–May 24, 2026
Live meetings via Zoom, Sundays, 10 am–12 pm ET

A series of animation drawings.

ANIMATION: PATHWAYS TO PRODUCTION > 

Not currently available

Teen work readiness courses are built for an active community of makers and doers. Check out these courses if you’re ready to level up your art and design skills while building real-world confidence, communication, and problem-solving abilities. You don’t need to be a professional artist; just curious, motivated, and ready to grow.

Students must be between 14–18 years old and in grades 10–12. Students older than 18 may need to provide additional proof of grade level.

Interested in a shorter, introductory learning experience? Check out our teen courses, offered in-person or online.

9-week online courses
Weekly live Zoom sessions

Courses are led by professional artists, designers, and art educators, who will lead work simulations that mimic real-world projects and applications. You will complete 2-3 major projects involving weekly activities and opportunities to interact with student peers. Other benefits of joining a work readiness course include:

  • Skill-building learning experiences that involve simulation, role-play, and interesting scenarios
  • Two guest speakers with professional backgrounds related to the learning experiences
  • Frequent opportunities to demonstrate progress and new abilities

Work readiness courses are built on National Core Arts Standards Anchor Standards while anticipating the future needs of our workforce.

Teen work readiness courses are designed to encourage the curious to bound toward fearless creativity. Each course focuses on the following learning outcomes:

  • Personal development
  • Communication and collaboration
  • Critical thinking
  • Creative expression

Teen work readiness courses are not accredited. However, the curriculum is modeled after courses that were previously recognized as credit-bearing high school courses.

Before registering, we recommend speaking with your high school counselor or advisor to discuss whether the school will recognize this course for credit. Your school may request additional information about the courses by emailing risdce@risd.edu.

Students are responsible for purchasing their own art supplies, equipment, software, subscriptions, and/or books. Course supplies can cost up to $200. A supply list will be available on the course site in Canvas at least 30 days before the first day of class.