Jun 22, 2024

NextEra Energy Foundation announces recipients for the Classroom Makeover Grant 2024

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Florida Power & Light has annouced 2024 recipients for their Classroom Makeover Grant Program.

As part of a $1 million, 4-year commitment from its charitable arm, the NextEra Energy Foundation, works to advance STEM curriculum, increase the exposure of Black students to STEM education and jumpstart students’ interest in STEM careers. Each year through 2024, five schools are selected in FPL’s service area to receive the $50,000 grant.

The grants are intended to provide transformational learning opportunities for Black students in classroom settings, as all recipient schools are comprised of at least 25% Black students. The Classroom Makeover Grant program and funds are available to directly addresses needs in infrastructure, technology or resources (i.e., software, equipment, books, training of teachers, tutors, paraprofessionals) to advance the STEM curriculum and increase exposure of STEM education and careers.

Pamela Rauch, Vice President of External Affairs & Economic Development for FPL

“Our STEM Classroom Makeover Grant allows us to invest in our next generation to help provide transformational learning opportunities for Black students in a STEM classroom setting,” said Pamela Rauch, Vice President of External Affairs & Economic Development for FPL, in a previous interview.

Now in its third year, the grant program selects five schools in Florida each year from a competitive pool of applicants. The five schools selected each displayed exceptional dedication and creativity in their approaches to STEM education. Last year, two South Florida schools, Gifford Middle School in Vero Beach and Lake Shore Middle School in Belle Glade, each celebrated the reveals of their classrooms transformations into Innovative STEM labs. Check out who this year’s recipients are below.
Congratulations to this year’s 2024 – 2025 winning classrooms in Florida:

Country Club MIddle School

FPL’s $50,000 STEM Classroom Makeover Grant, $250,000 grant total, will empower all five schools to transform their classrooms into an innovative learning space turning classrooms into a vibrant hub of innovation, creativity and discovery for the students in hopes of igniting a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Each school will have a one year to transform and upgrade their classrooms, integrating state-of-the-art technology, contemporary equipment, and interactive learning materials. From virtual reality and 3D printers to robotics kits and interactive displays, these schools will acquire the necessary resources to create a vibrant learning environment that promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Applications for the next cohort of schools will open Fall of 2024! For more information about FPL’s STEM Classroom Makeover Grant and its commitment to education, please visit FPL.com/ClassroomGrant.