The Creative Talent Network Foundation (CTNF) Scholarship Program is designed to support emerging animation and visual storytelling talent around the world through mentorship, training resources, and curated industry connections. The program offers multiple levels of recognition, including Full Scholarships, Partial Scholarships, and Honorable Mentions.
Applicants must be aspiring artists or early-career professionals in animation, visual development, story, design, or related disciplines. Specific eligibility may vary per scholarship track (e.g., CTN, DEJA26, KENT26, MBLA26, GEE26).
Depending on the type of award, recipients may receive:
Our mentors are carefully selected professionals from across the animation and visual storytelling industries. They bring with them years of experience working at top studios and on globally recognized projects. Their expertise spans a wide range of disciplines, including:
Each mentor is passionate about supporting emerging talent and committed to providing thoughtful, practical guidance to help participants grow creatively and professionally.
For more information, visit our webpage: https://ctnfoundation.org/active-programs
Each scholarship program can last from 4 weeks to approximately 3 months, depending on each scholarship/program's schedule. Most recipients meet with mentors weekly or monthly, with additional time for independent work and follow-up. Group in-person and virtual sessions, lectures, and feedback reviews may also be scheduled.
Selections are based on submitted portfolios, personal statements, and demonstrated potential. Each application is reviewed by CTNF’s scholarship review committee and collaborating mentors.
Yes! CTNF encourages global participation. Meeting times are coordinated with time zones in mind to ensure accessibility for all recipients.
Recipients are expected to actively participate in all scheduled sessions, complete project milestones, communicate clearly, and be respectful of their mentors' time and feedback. Recipients may also be asked to share their experience with the CTN community.
There is a small application fee/donation, and there may be additional fees depending on the program.
Join ClubCTN for free email updates. You can also follow CTN on social media for news about future opportunities. @ctnhappenings
Our mentors generously fit scholarship meetings into their very busy schedules, which can occasionally lead to the need for rescheduling. This may happen due to changes in their availability or unforeseen circumstances such as illness. While we do our best to minimize disruptions, some situations are unavoidable.
In such cases, CTN will reach out to all parties involved to notify them of the change and reschedule the meeting at the mentor’s next available slot. Please note that, as per CTN’s policy, meetings are scheduled based on mentor availability rather than awardee availability.
Based on the award level, this ticket provides access to the event at no cost — you’ll receive a coupon code that gives you 100% off the ticket at your award level that you can use during online registration to reserve your spot. No tickets are mailed. You pick up your ticket at on-site registration during registration hours at the event.
Note: There is no obligation to attend CTNX26.
Can I upgrade my ticket to CTNX?
Yes, please note that the upgrade fee is the difference between your current ticket and the ticket you want to upgrade to. Just send a request to upgrade your ticket to team@ctnfoundation.org.
How do CTNF Scholarship Recipients receive their tickets to CTNX?
Is my ticket transferable?
Yes. If you would like to give/sell your ticket to another person, please follow the steps below:
Visit the Travel Housing Group on Facebook to hook up with others to share rooms and rides.
While accommodation is not fully covered for all scholarships, recipients are eligible for a discounted hotel room rate.
We recommend staying at the Burbank Airport Marriott, which is the official hotel for CTNX 2026 and just steps away from the event venue. We have discounted group rates available, and we encourage scholarship recipients to share rooms to help reduce costs even further. CTN can assist with room-share coordination upon request. Feel free to let us know if you'd like help finding a roommate!
If your scholarship award includes hotel room nights, you will receive a hotel reservation number before you arrive, and you will be sharing with another scholarship award winner. If your award includes a hotel room and you want a private room, please reach out to team@ctnfoundation.org.
If you are experiencing financial challenges regarding the hotel room, please email team@ctnfoundation.org to see if there are any assistance programs available.
We want to support you in every way possible so you can make the most of this incredible experience. 💛
RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM HERE:
There is also an event housing promotion, RENT 2 NIGHTS, GET IN FREE.
Other housing arrangements and ‘things to do in Burbank’ can be found on the Visit Burbank Website:
For domestic flights, the nearest airport is the Hollywood Burbank Airport BUR located within walking distance from the event. There is a shuttle from BUR to the Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel, where the event is located.
The nearest international airport is LAX (Los Angeles International Airport). From there, it’s about a 35–45 minute drive (depending on traffic) to the Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel, where the event is located.
Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel
2500 North Hollywood Way
Burbank, CA 91505
Do you have any tips for attending the expo?
Yes. Please COMING SOON for an expo cheat sheet of tips.
What media is expected of me, and when?
Coming soon…..
Yes. Each award level receives different access.
Just show up in person at CTN Studio in Burbank and tell them who you are and what scholarship you were awarded, and you will be welcomed at the door and asked for your discounted fee in cash or credit card if there is one.
Online access and more information can be found on this webpage:
https://ctn-events.com/sketchfever
(Terms are subject to change)
Upon completion of the program all Full, Partial, and Partial Pro awardees should receive both the Digital and Physical Certificate of Achievement.
To receive a physical copy of your certificate, you are welcome to either:
All Honorable Mention awardees should receive the Digital Certificate of Achievement through their email. Please email team@ctnfoundation.org if you are missing your certificate.
Upon completion of the program you are welcome and encouraged to share your awards and celebrate your achievement.
Please feel free to include your certificate or laurel (for screened filmmakers) on platforms such as LinkedIn, your portfolio website, or other professional profiles. You may also share photos from CTNX on your social media channels.
If you post on social media, feel free to tag us: