Florida Power & Light Company has announced its 2014-15 education programs for Florida teachers and students in the 35 counties it serves.
Research has shown that science, technology, engineering and math (also called STEM) education not only is linked to success in the field, but also helps to instill creative problem-solving skills in students, which is critical to careers in engineering, science and research.
FPL’s programs provide the support and encouragement for greater adoption of STEM curricula in the classroom.
“FPL is proud to help Florida educators teach STEM classes in a hands-on environment that fosters a curiosity to learn more,” said Pamela Rauch, FPL’s vice president of development and external affairs. “Whether it’s through a teacher grant or a robotics program, FPL hopes to engage and create interest among Florida students in programs that teach engineering skills as well as teamwork, collaboration, creativity and other vital talents to succeed in tomorrow’s competitive work environment.”
For the 2014-15 school year, FPL is offering the following programs:
Teacher Grants (K-12): All teachers in the 35 counties that FPL serves are eligible to apply for grants to finance classroom projects focused on any form of energy or engineering education. Grants are awarded in increments of $500 to $1,000.
To date, FPL has awarded more than $175,000 for teacher grant projects throughout its service territory. The awards come from the NextEra Energy Foundation, which is funded by shareholders of FPL’s parent company, NextEra Energy Inc., the nation’s largest producer of renewable energy from the wind and the sun. The application deadline is Nov. 15, with winners to be announced in December.
Science Fairs & Competitions (K-12): FPL supports science fairs as a way to inspire young minds and future scientists and engineers. School districts in FPL’s service territory that are interested in support for their fair or a science competition are invited to e-mail Maureen Wilt at maureen.wilt@fpl.com.
Traveling School Assembly Program (K-5): FPL has partnered with the National Theatre for Children to offer a free, live school show to help teach young students about electricity. “Men in Plaid: The Kilowatt Connection” is a fun-filled show that helps K-5 students understand the basics of energy conservation.
Nearly 100,000 students annually are entertained and informed by the free traveling school assembly show. To schedule a show, or find out more about these free school performances, call (800) 858-3999, ext. 1.
Robotics Programs (9-12): In an ongoing effort to drive student engagement in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum, FPL is a major supporter of robotics programs. The company finances established and start-up robotics clubs throughout its 35-county service territory. FPL has sponsored 30 robotics programs to date and hopes to double the number in the coming year.
Additionally, FPL continues to sponsor the South Florida FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics regional competition conducted every spring in South Florida.
To learn more about financing opportunities from FPL, e-mail maureen.wilt@fpl.com.
