Now Open: Winter 2025 Registration!
If you've found yourself on this little corner of the internet, that must mean two things:
You're a really cool person.
You're interested in learning more about Islands of Brilliance's programming schedule!
It's never too early to sign up, as program spaces quickly fill up! Get a jump start today by checking out the information below.
New to Islands of Brilliance? First time signing up for a workshop?
We’d love to help. Connect with Us before registering!
OPEN STUDIO PROGRAMS
Our most frequent and accessible options, Open Studio Programs provide a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment for your child to learn, create, and connect virtually five days a week!
Daily Doodle Lounge
A creative community for “neurosparkly” artists to gather and share their creativity.
Doodle Lounge is an online space where artists aged 8+ come together daily to share their work, offer support, and collaborate. Each session starts with a fun Doodle Prompt, followed by free time to create and connect. Whether you’re looking to refine your skills or enjoy a creative community, Doodle Lounge offers a welcoming space for all.
Format: Online
Offered: Weekly, Monday - Friday
Time: 3:30 - 4:20 pm CST
Duration: Monthly
Price: $240/mo
FOUNDATION PROGRAMS
Led by a certified educator, students are paired with a professional design mentor to learn technical software skills using various creative technologies and build social and emotional development skills.
Foundation Programming: Illustration & Design
Discover your creative potential while working 1:1 with a creative mentor! Students gain confidence by exploring the basics of Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator to bring their unique ideas, passions, and SpIns (Special Interests) to life.
Format: In-Person and Online
Offered: Tuesdays and Saturdays (Spring Break run Monday & Tuesday or Wednesday & Thursday
Time: Varies by Workshop
Duration: Four, 90-Minute Sessions (Spring Break workshops are 2-Day, 4-Hour Sessions)
Price: $480/workshop
In-Person Workshops
at UWM’s Lubar Entrepreneurship Center
Saturdays, January 18–February 8 / 11:00 am–12:30 pm CST | REGISTER
Saturdays, January 18–February 8 / 1:00–2:30 pm CST | REGISTER
Saturdays, February 22–March 15 / 11:00 am–12:30 CST | REGISTER
Saturdays, February 22–March 15 / 1:00–2:30 pm CST | REGISTER
Spring Break 2-Day! Monday & Tuesday, March 24–25 / 10:30 am–2:30 pm CST | REGISTER
Spring Break 2-Day! Wednesday & Thursday, March 26–27 / 10:30 am–2:30 pm CST | REGISTER
Online Workshops
Online via Zoom
Tuesdays, January 14–February 4 / 4:45–6:15 pm CST | REGISTER
Tuesdays, February 18–March 11 / 4:45–6:15 pm CST | REGISTER
Foundation Programming: 3D Modeling
Step into the world of 3D with Foundation Programming: 3D Modeling! Whether working 1:1 with a mentor or in small pods of 2:1, students explore Blender’s tools and features to create digital models and environments inspired by their SpIns.
Format: New! In-Person and Online
Offered: Wednesdays and Saturdays (Spring Break workshops are 1-Week, Monday - Thursday)
Time: Varies by Workshop
Duration: Four, 90-Minute Sessions
Price: $480/workshop
New! In-Person Workshops
at UWM’s Lubar Entrepreneurship Center
Saturdays, February 22–March 15 / 3:00–4:30 pm CST | REGISTER
Online Workshops
Online via Zoom
Wednesdays, January 15–February 5 / 4:45–6:15 pm CST | REGISTER
Wednesdays, February 19–March 12 / 4:45–6:15 pm CST | REGISTER
Spring Break 1-Week! Monday–Thursday, March 24–27 / 4:45–6:15 pm CST | REGISTER
New in 2025!
Foundation Programming: Animation & Media
Unlock the magic of movement in Animation & Media! This workshop allows students to work 1:1 with a mentor or in small pods of 2:1, learning animation basics in Procreate, Adobe Express, and Adobe Photoshop to tell their own unique stories.
Format: In-Person and Online
Offered: Thursdays and Saturdays
Time: Varies by Workshop
Duration: Four, 90-Minute Sessions
Price: $480/workshop
Digital Academy Programs
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Quest
Quest is the most rigorous program that IOB offers. It is a personalized learning opportunity for advanced students who are interested in determining their own learning path. Students receive bi-weekly mentorship, share progress, and collaborate with peers online. This program is online.
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Side Quests
The most accessible DA program. Students sign up for a Side Quest that aligns with their interests and the skills they would like to learn. Side Quests are offered at different skill levels. The program is hybrid (online and in-person).
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Collab Quests
Project-based learning programs in partnership with other organizations, institutions, or corporations. Students work from a design brief with the guidance of an experienced Creative Technologist and subject matter experts. This program is hybrid (online and in-person).
COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROGRAMS
Whether you’re a young adult living with autism or is someone who loves and supports them, we know life can be challenging. Our Community Support programs provide professional and peer guidance to help along the journey.
Brilliant Breakfast Club (BBC)
Older students are invited to hang out with us for a social experience and peer discussion designed to foster pathways and build daily living skills for future independence.
Format: In-Person
Offered: 2nd Friday of the Month (specific locations vary; please see the program page for details)
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm CST
Duration: Once per Month
Price: $150 per workshop
Format: Online
Offered: Fridays (Except 2nd Friday of the Month)
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 am CST
Duration: Monthly
Price: $150 per month
New To Islands Of Brilliance? Our Concierge Approach Is Here To Help!
We're happy to answer any questions you might have. Whether you are interested in learning more about our distance learning and in-person programs or registering your student, we're glad you're here. Start the conversation by filling out a form to let us know a bit about your student