Portland Community College and animation producer LAIKA Studios have announced a new associate degree in animation and motion graphics, beginning fall term 2025.

Last year, a collaboration between PCC and LAIKA was announced that included a two-year $60,000 pledge from LAIKA to the PCC Foundation. This contribution supports PCC’s LAIKA scholarship and program funds that provide a stop motion lab, equipment and supplies like software and tools for puppet-making fabrication. Another key component is the Oregon Film Office/LAIKA Summer Internship that is open to PCC students.

The Washington County-based studio has created such animated features as “ParaNorman,” “Caroline,” “Missing Link” and “Kubo and the Two Strings.”

LAIKA funding also supports the curriculum and the new associate degree in animation and motion graphics. The degree will provide students with a curriculum pf traditional and digital animation techniques. Students will gain hands-on experience and practical skills under the guidance of experienced professionals.

“We are so excited to be partnering with LAIKA and its innovative production studio,” said Erik Fauske, PCC multimedia instructor. “The scholarship donations and program funds will provide financial support to incoming students and equitable access to cutting edge industry tools.”

In addition to financial support, LAIKA provides insights and feedback to shape the program’s direction and curriculum.

In April, the college and the studio hosted a portfolio review at the PCC Cascade Campus in North Portland to advise the students’ creations.

“LAIKA’s curriculum feedback, portfolio support and guidance on workflow will impact students to be job ready with relevant skills,” Fauske said.

One success story

LAIKA assistant cameraperson and PCC alumna Anna Terpening represented LAIKA to assist in inspiring the current crop of students. Just two years ago, the Banks native was a multimedia student at PCC, balancing assignments and work. Her break came during a competitive three-month production internship with LAIKA, in which she obtained up-close access to all the departments and met co-workers from all around the studio.

“I was really blessed by folks that helped me and gave me opportunities to learn,” said Terpening, who earned her associate degree in multimedia in 2023. “They believed in me. And I worked really hard to learn about anything that I didn’t know, or had questions about, and tried to be as helpful as I could with my position.”

Terpening credits PCC for giving her the tools to succeed.

“I got hands-on experience with lighting, dollies, jibs — real-world skills,” she said. “I even picked up paid gigs while still in school, which helped build my résumé and confidence.”

Her advice to aspiring creatives who want a way into the field: “It’s not glamorous, but being diligent in what you are doing, treating people well, and being an eager learner leaves a bigger impact.”