I have been a huge proponent for the old atelier style of learning craft with any art form. In the 17th century in Europe if you showed an aptitude towards a trade like painting, you were shipped off away from your family to live with your master at a young age to learn everything you could about that craft.
Animation lost the mentor/apprentice paradigm with the invention of CG. You do not see this relationship as part of the workforce today. These animators are being taught early, while still in high school by professionals and will be way ahead of the curve when they go to college.
My friend Lennie Graves is one of the teachers on this video (red shirt) and I think this is a really great way to mentor students online - check it out!