The IIT Mission Statement/About the IIT Program

The IIT Program is a college preparatory program designed to provide students with a marketable skill set supported by a rigorous academic curriculum. Completion of the academic and program requirements of the IIT Program prepares students for college and career readiness. Students choose one of three highly sought-after technology-based pathways: Drafting and Design Technology, Commercial Digital Photography, or Game, Simulation and Animation Programming. Graduates from the program can choose to enter industry directly from high school or continue their studies at the college level.

Students in each of the pathways will have the ability to earn multiple industry certifications as well as the Advanced Placement International Diploma, AP Seminar and Research Certificate, AP Capstone Diploma, and/or the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP).

Advanced Placement

Students in the IIT program may take any Advanced Placement course offered. Students may choose to pursue an Advanced Placement International Diploma (APID). This option requires a passing score of 3 or better in five AP courses, which must meet criteria specified by College Board. IIT students at the sophomore level are encouraged to take part in the AP Capstone Program. Successful completion of the program will earn either the AP Seminar and Research Certificate or the AP Capstone Diploma.

International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP)

The IBCP program allows students to specialize in, and focus on, a career‐related pathway. The programme’s three‐part framework comprises the study of at least two Diploma Programme courses, alongside career related studies, and the IBCP core, which is designed to create a bridge connecting each student’s chosen two Diploma Programme courses with his or her career‐related studies. At Suncoast High School, the career pathways are part of the IIT program.

Technology Pathways: Game, Simulation and Animation Programming (GSA)

The Game, Simulation, and Animation Programming pathway prepares students with the skills necessary to excel in the video game development industry.

Students will study computer programming, game design, and 2D/3D art & animation, which are vital skills for various career paths in the gaming industry. Students in this program will also be able to pursue careers in most fields related to computer science and software engineering as a result of our extensive studies in object-oriented computer programming.

In addition, students will be able to earn the Unity Certified User Programmer certification, which makes students more marketable in the game development industry.

Technology Pathways: Drafting and Design Technology (DDT)

This pathway features training in the field of architectural and mechanical engineering design and drafting.  Students work with professional level design and drafting software to create construction drawings and 3D production-ready designs for use with production equipment such as mills, lathes, and 3D printers to create actual products from the students’ design.

In addition, students learn skills that can be used in conjunction with their drafting skills to create production‐ready designs. Industry certifications are offered in Microsoft Office, AutoCAD (Over 400 students certified as associate level users over the past 4 years), AutoDesk Inventor, Autodesk Revit Architecture, and MasterCam X9. 

This pathway prepares students for careers as drafters, designing and engineering technicians, digital technicians, technical illustrators, architectural, graphic, interior, and landscape designers, and electrical/electronic drafters among many more areas. In addition, students who complete AP Calculus and AP Physics are equipped to begin studies leading to careers in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, and in the high-tech machine industry.

Technology Pathways: Commercial Digital Photography (CDP)

This pathway features in‐depth skills in all aspects of digital photography, including the details of equipment and software use. The secondary courses in this pathway allow students to follow the more artistic aspects of photography and application. Industry certification in Adobe Photoshop is offered in this course of study.

The Commercial Digital Photography pathway prepares students for career opportunities in the many fields of photography, including advertising, aerial, commercial, crime scene, photojournalism, wedding, wildlife and many more specialized areas of photography.

Students experience photo shoots with both studio backgrounds and natural environments. They also work with Adobe Photoshop to perfect their photo editing skills. The classroom resources include scanners, professional‐grade cameras, laptops and desk computers, and various professional color printers. 

Approximately 80% of the students completing the program achieve their industry certification.

Prospective IIT students and their parents should carefully examine the program’s four-year plan prior to applying as the curriculum demands a high level of dedication and commitment.
Please Note:  Program classes are subject to change as needed.

IIT students are REQUIRED to complete the following 4-year plan:

IIT: Innovative Interactive Technology Program