Nickelodeon has partnered with national non-profit Get Schooled — co-founded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Viacom — to award one skilled, innovative animator with a $25,000 scholarship by creating an original animated short. This partnership marks the first-ever animation scholarship program between the two organizations, which will give the brightest up and coming animators the opportunity to achieve their dreams.

“With a rich history of championing artist-driven shows and shorts, Nickelodeon is on a mission to bring these ever-growing, young animators to the forefront,” said Russell Hicks, President, Content Development and Production, Nickelodeon. “By partnering with Get Schooled, we are able to discover the next generation of storytellers and provide an animation scholarship for a deserving student, which is really rewarding.”

The scholarship opportunity will be open to 17- to 24-year-olds, asking that applicants submit an animated short in any format. Young animators 13 to 16 are also invited to submit a theme-based looping animation for a chance to win prizes, such as a tablet with animation software.

More information can be found at getschooled.com; full guidelines will be available in April, with the winners to be announced this summer.