Comics. Confidence. Career.
Training Programs.
Pixels 2 Purpose Program
This page offers key information about our Pixels 2 Purpose training program, which empowers students between the ages of 14-19 in Rochester, NY. During the 6-week program participants get paid to learn creative digital skills, build a portfolio, connect with industry professionals, and earn internships with local and national companies. Starting in 2025 we will offer this opportunity to 40 youth per year and recommend they apply now, as this will be a ‘first-come, first serve’ selection process.
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Program Completion Rate
- Goal of $100,000 in Annual Youth Compensation 68%
Working with Youth?
This program is open to all youth ages 14-19 in Rochester, New York. If you are a non-profit organization that serves youth, a RCSD teacher, or librarian in Rochester please contact us to discuss working together to get this opportunity in front of more youth!
Are You A Student?
Get registered now! If you are a student looking for opportunities in creative career paths, please apply now for our next cohort. There is an application and interview process that begins with the submission of an initial form. Click the button below to begin!
Ready to Become A Digital Artist?
Our comics are more than just stories—they’re a window into real experiences, emotions, and challenges faced by people in diverse communities. Each comic is crafted with a blend of imagination and personal truth, making every character and plot line relatable and inspiring. Apply now to tell your story while training to become a digital artist!
Annual Youth Hours Worked
Training Program Portfolios
Welcome to our digital portfolios page, where you can explore powerful stories created by youth who have completed our Pixels 2 Purpose Program. Here you can see how unique voices come to life through visual storytelling. Feel inspired? Check out the portfolios of the individual graduates to view their work, get to know them, and consider hiring them!
Read Comics.
Connect with Creators. Hire New Talent.
Our digital portfolio space showcases work crafted by youth and communities often overlooked by the mainstream. Here, creators share their truths, bringing their voices and stories to life for the world to see, celebrate, and enjoy. Dive into our their portfolios and explore a space designed to amplify talent through the depth and brilliance of these creators.
Partnership Note:)
These portfolios were created by youth (14-19 years old) in the Cooley Comics Pixels 2 Purpose program, made possible by collaboration between Cooley Comics LLC and the Workforce Development Institute (WDI). Through the integration of cutting-edge digital technology, students explore their creative potential while honing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, preparing them for success in the modern workforce.
Justin Ramos
At Cooley Comics, Justin Ramos has consistently mastered creative digital storytelling through character development, comic creation, music production, and visual branding. His projects have ranged from building entire fictional universes to crafting pitch slides, meditation poetry, and even soundtracks. Justin brings a versatile creative style and a sharp eye for storytelling, always pushing himself to experiment.
Jaylan Newton
At Cooley Comics, Jaylan Newton has demonstrated consistent growth across storytelling, visual art, and multimedia creation.His projects reflect a deep commitment to creative expression—developing original stories and characters, producing pitch materials, and refining digital comics using professional tools. Jaylan stands out for his focus, flexibility, and desire to improve with each session.
Let’s Give Back, Together.
When you pay us for products or services we use the proceeds to train, hire, and empower socially unique individuals* to produce visual content. For every $150 we make, we offer a scholarship to our AI Comic Labs workshops. Qualifying individuals learn innovative digital skills while processing their stories in a supportive group settings. Those who excel in these workshops are offered jobs at Cooley Comics.
Thank You to Our Partners:
Workforce Development Institute (WDI) & RochesterWorks!
Many thanks to the Workforce Development Institute (WDI) for the generous funding that has made it possible for us to produce our Pixels 2 Purpose Program and continue to make jobs available for youth in our community.
In addition, we share our gratitude for our partnership with RochesterWorks for making it possible for us to pay youth through programs like Roc Your Job. These collaborative efforts fosters a vibrant community of aspiring creators and storytellers, providing a space for individuals from diverse backgrounds to express themselves authentically and share their unique perspectives with the world! We are uplifting the community, together!