The ͬɫ College of Education is helping create new, future-focused STEM pathways for Sarasota County students through a new partnership with Sarasota County Schools at the Gulf Coast Academy of Innovation & Technology at Brookside. Launching in the 2026–2027 school year, the reimagined middle school magnet will offer learning in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics and marine sciences—giving students an early on-ramp to innovation and opportunity.
Students and parents were invited to a Gulf Coast Academy of Innovation & Technology at Brookside Open House to explore the new pathways that will be offered.
“We are thrilled to partner with Sarasota County Schools on this program to open new doors for students,” said Jenifer Jasinski Schneider, interim dean of the ͬɫ College of Education. “The Gulf Coast Academy of Innovation & Technology at Brookside will immerse students in hands-on, rigorous STEM learning at a pivotal stage in their development—sparking curiosity, strengthening problem-solving skills and preparing them to see themselves as the next generation of innovators, creators and leaders.”
The Gulf Coast Academy of Innovation & Technology at Brookside's special focus areas will include artificial intelligence, cyber-security, game development, information technology, marine sciences, robotics and more. Students will apply high-level academic concepts throughout all fields of study to build a solid foundation across multiple disciplines.
Csaba Osvath, assistant professor and creative director of the , showing students how to use the technology that will be offered in the pathways.
“I am truly excited for our students to experience this innovative learning environment firsthand,” said Superintendent of Schools Terry Connor. “Our district is fortunate to have community partners like the ͬɫ College of Education who see the value of investing in student success at a young age. We look forward to seeing the transformative impact that Gulf Coast Academy of Innovation & Technology at Brookside will have on our students’ futures.”
Through field experiences, collaboration and mentorship with ambassadors from the college, students will build critical skills and industry connections as they pursue coursework and activities designed to prepare them for their potential future careers.
“At Gulf Coast Academy of Innovation & Technology at Brookside, technology is the tool students use to think deeply, innovate and apply learning to real-world challenges,” noted Gulf Coast Academy of Innovation & Technology at Brookside Principal Lindsay Gallof. “The district’s curriculum team and our programmatic partners at the ͬɫ College of Education poured their collective expertise into these programs and learning environments. Through advanced coursework, exploration and future-ready pathways, students will grow into confident learners, well-prepared for high school and beyond.”
How to Apply to GCA:
Families interested in enrolling their child at the Gulf Coast Academy of Innovation & Technology at Brookside are encouraged to apply using the Magnet Application in the. There is a limit of 250 seats for incoming sixth grade students. Families new to Sarasota County Schools must first create a Focus Parent Portal account and complete the New Student Registration form before accessing the magnet application.