(BPRW) Broward County Classroom Transformed into Innovative STEM Lab

Carma Henry

1 year ago

Submitted by Bernadette A. Morris

(BPRW)

(Black PR Wire) FORT LAUDERDALE, FL -– Excitement filled the air as the doors swung open to reveal a remarkable classroom transformation, made possible through a collaborative partnership between Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and the Broward Education

Florida Power & Light Company employees, the Education Foundation of Broward County, the School District of Browardf County and Dillard High School teachers and administrators unveil the brand-new STEM Classroom Makerover at Dillard High on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Dillard High School was one of five schools to win FPL’s STEM Classroom Makeover Grant for the 2022-23 school year.

Foundation. Together with Broward County Public Schools, the organizations celebrated the completion of the STEM Classroom Makeover at Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale.

The $50,000 grant from FPL, facilitated through the Broward Education Foundation, enabled Dillard High School to incorporate cutting-edge technology including robotics kits, interactive whiteboards and STEM equipment, creating an immersive learning experience. The redesigned classroom now boasts new STEM technology which will help enhance student engagement and foster creativity.

Juliet Roulhac Director of Exernal Affairs for the Broward & Southwest regions for Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and the Director of Corporate Philanthropy for NextEra Energy, Inc. poses with Dillard High School’s robotics team, the Sigma Cats, during their STEM Classroom Makeover Grant reveal on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, FL Dillard High School was able to purchase new robotics equipment after winning FPL’s $500.000 STEM Classroom Makeover Grant for the 2022-23 school year.

“The Broward Education Foundation is proud to collaborate with FPL in creating a space where innovation and inspiration thrive,” said James A. Knapp, President & CEO of Broward Education Foundation. “This STEM lab represents more than just new technology—it symbolizes opportunity. It opens doors for students at Dillard High School to engage with cutting-edge tools and pursue their passions in science, technology, engineering, and math, laying the groundwork for a brighter future.”

On Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. Dillard High School unveil its updates STEM Classroom. The school was one of five schools to win the Florida Power & Light Company’s STEM Classroom Makeover Grant program. With this grant, Dillard was able to purchase new computer monitors, tables, chairs, robotics equipment whiteboards.

This partnership highlights the shared commitment of both FPL and the Broward Education Foundation to advance STEM education in economically disadvantaged schools across FPL’s service territory. The transformation at Dillard High School marks a significant milestone in this ongoing effort to provide students with the resources they need to excel.

“We firmly believe in the power of education and the difference it can make in the lives of young individuals,” said Pam Rauch, FPL Vice President of External Affairs and Economic Development. “We are thrilled to be able to contribute to creating a dynamic learning atmosphere for the students at Dillard High School. This classroom transformation represents our ongoing commitment to support education and provide students with the tools they need to thrive.”

To mark this significant milestone, FPL and partners hosted a ceremony at Dillard High School to showcase the transformed classroom and witness the positive impact of education in the lives of local students.

The Signa Cats, Dillard High School’s robotics team, celebrated the debut of their new STEM Classroom on Friday, Sept. 27. 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Dillard High School was one of five schools to win Florida Power & Light Company’s STEM Classroom Makeover Grant for the 2022-23 school year.

FPL’s STEM Classroom Makeover Grants program provides funding up to $50,000 each for five schools in Florida to provide transformational learning opportunities in economically disadvantaged K-12 classrooms. Funds are available to address needs in technology or resources that will advance STEM curricula and careers to students in a classroom setting.

For the 2024-25 school year, the FPL STEM Classroom Makeover Grant program is now open.

To learn more information on FPL’s STEM Classroom Makeover Grant and where to apply, visit FPL.com/ClassroomGrant.