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Students explored with wonder inside the reimagined classrooms at Coconut Palm K-8 Academy, excited to learn about hydroponics and reveal a brand-new school mural. Made possible through a STEM Classroom Makeover Grant from Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), the innovative learning space is designed to ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among students.
“The fact that FPL had the idea to create a grant like this is incredible,” said Krista Senzig, lead magnet teacher and lead sixth- through eighth-grade agriculture teacher at Coconut Palm K-8 Academy. “This grant is truly transforming lives, especially in a community like ours.”
FPL joined The Education Fund and Miami-Dade County Public Schools to celebrate the completion of the STEM Classroom Makeover at Coconut Palm K-8 Academy. FPL engineers also led students in a generator build competition that emphasized the importance of energy and teamwork.
The $50,000 grant from FPL enabled Coconut Palm K-8 Academy to incorporate cutting-edge technology, including hydroponics flex farms, a new school mural and STEM materials creating an immersive learning experience. The redesigned classroom now features advanced STEM technology aimed at enhancing student engagement and fostering creativity.
“With this generous grant from Florida Power and Light, Coconut Palm K-8 Academy has been able to integrate cutting-edge technology and advanced STEM materials. This support has transformed our learning environment, creating an immersive experience that inspires our students to explore, innovate, and excel,” said Miami-Dade County Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Dr. Michael A. Lewis.
“These transformative STEM classroom makeovers represent exactly what we’ve championed at The Education Fund for 40 years — creating innovative learning environments where every student can thrive,” said Linda Lecht, President of The Education Fund. “FPL demonstrates how corporate investment in our public schools can help cultivate the next generation of problem-solvers who will shape Miami-Dade’s future.”
Now in its fourth year, FPL’s STEM Classroom Makeover Grant program, funded through the company’s charitable arm, the NextEra Energy Foundation, provides $50,000 grants for eligible Florida schools to offer transformational learning opportunities for economically disadvantaged students in K-12 Title 1 public, charter or private schools or for schools serving a minimum of 40% economically disadvantaged students. Funds are available to address technology or resources that will advance STEM curricula, exposure, and careers to students in a classroom setting.
In February, FPL announced that its super-sizing the program this year, expanding from five Classroom Makeover Grants to 20 grants across the state. The winning classrooms will be announced in the coming weeks, allowing more schools than ever to transform a space for their students to drive a passion for STEM subjects.
“We firmly believe in the power of education and the difference it can make in the lives of our youth,” said Pam Rauch, FPL Vice President of External Affairs and Economic Development. “We are thrilled to be a part of creating a dynamic learning atmosphere for students across Florida. This classroom transformation at Coconut Palm K-8 Academy represents our ongoing commitment to supporting education and providing students with the tools they need to thrive.”
For more information about FPL’s STEM Classroom Makeover Grant and its commitment to education, please visit FPL.com/ClassroomGrant.
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