Two Miami-Dade County Schools Win Prestigious STEM Classroom Makeover Grant

Coconut Palm K-8 Academy and Country Club Middle School are celebrating a remarkable achievement as they become two out of the five schools across Florida selected to each receive a Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) STEM Classroom Makeover Grant. This $50,000 grant, $100,000 grant total, will empower both schools to transform a classroom into an innovative learning space, igniting a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among their students.

“We are ecstatic to be among the select group of schools chosen to receive FPL’s STEM Classroom Makeover Grant,” said Krista Senzig, Coconut Palm Magnet Lead Teacher. “This grant will empower our educators to create an immersive learning environment that inspires our students to dream big and pursue careers in STEM. We are deeply grateful to FPL for recognizing our commitment to excellence in education and for providing us with the means to transform our classrooms.”

FPL’s STEM Classroom Makeover Grant will enable both schools to revolutionize their classrooms, turning it into a vibrant hub of innovation, creativity and discovery for students. Coconut Palm plans to purchase four Flex Farm Hydroponic systems to create a state-of-the-art indoor vertical hydroponic garden. And, Country Club Middle plans to utilize their funds to build a greenhouse establishment, purchase curriculum development programs, STEM equipment and allocate funds for teacher trainings.

“This grant will serve as an incredible catalyst for our educators, enabling them to curate an immersive and captivating learning environment that ignites a passion for STEM within our students,” said Dr. Elvira Ruiz-Carrillo, Principal at Country Club Middle. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to FPL for recognizing our unwavering dedication towards delivering excellence in education and for generously equipping us with the resources needed to revolutionize our classrooms.”

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:

Each school will have one year to redesign and revitalize their classrooms, infusing them with cutting-edge technological resources, modern equipment and hands-on learning materials. From virtual reality and 3D printers to robotics kits and interactive displays, these schools will purchase the supplies they need to foster a dynamic learning environment that encourages critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills.

“We are thrilled for Coconut Palm K-8 Academy and Country Club Middle School to receive our STEM Classroom Makeover Grant. At FPL, we believe in the power of education and the endless possibilities that STEM learning can unlock for students. We are incredibly excited to witness the creativity and growth that will be nurtured within the winning school’s walls,” said Pam Rauch, FPL Vice President of External Affairs and Economic Development. “We strongly believe that STEM education is the cornerstone of a prosperous future and these grants will serve as a catalyst for fostering innovation, curiosity and lifelong learning in our communities.”

FPL is working with The Education Fund, a local partner in administering the grant, based on its 40 year relationship uniting the private sector and Miami-Dade County Public Schools to fund innovative educational programs.

Linda Lecht, President of the Education Fund, said, “As a long-time collaborator with FPL and NextEra Energy on STEM projects, including these Classroom Makeover Grants, I am thrilled to know that two of the five Makeover Grants awarded this year throughout the state of Florida landed right here in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Congratulations to the principals, teachers, and especially the students who will benefit from these STEM projects for decades to come.”

FPL’s STEM Classroom Makeover Grant is part of a four-year commitment from its charitable arm, the NextEra Energy Foundation, to advance STEM curriculum, increase the exposure of students to STEM education and jumpstart students’ interest in STEM careers.

Applications for the next cohort of schools will open Fall of 2024! For more information on this grant as well as FPL’s other educational programs, visit www.FPL.com/Education.