Education is one of the most important aspects of economic development because it raises the workforce’s skill level, in turn, raising wage growth and in some cases even job growth. For Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), a skilled workforce in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) is essential to its business. That is why one recent recognition from the Florida Commissioner of Education is making FPL especially proud.
FPL received the Florida Commissioner of Education’s Corporate Business Recognition Award for its outstanding partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS). The Florida Education Foundation and the Department of Education host the annual awards for statewide school districts and business partners that exemplify private sector engagement in public education.
It is the first year FPL has been chosen by M-DCPS as one of its business partners for the Commissioner’s award. FPL is being recognized by the school district for its support of STEM activities along with funding classroom minigrants and student robotics teams.
“Miami-Dade County Public Schools and its students have benefitted tremendously from FPL’s support of STEM initiatives,” said Alberto M. Carvalho, superintendent of M-DCPS. “Their commitment has enriched the learning environment by providing ad-ditional resources in our classrooms and giv-ing students invaluable real-life learning experiences.”
This year, FPL collaborated with three Miami-Dade high schools in building elec-tric cars for a student competition during the first fully-electric Formula E Miami ePrix race.
“We are proud of our long-time partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools and of the difference we are making in our classrooms,” said Irene White, senior director of external affairs in Miami-Dade County for FPL. “FPL is honored to be rec-ognized for our involvement inside and out-side the classroom. Together with the school district, we are making Miami an even better place to work and raise a family.”
