$7,981.15 Grant from Florida Power & Light Company Supports STEM Teacher Innovation in Martin County

STUART, Fla. — Aug. 5, 2025 -  The Education Foundation of Martin County is proud to be a recipient of a Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) EmPOWERing STEM Educators grant, supporting the advancement of STEM-focused professional learning for teachers in Martin County. This statewide initiative strengthens math and science instruction through peer-to-peer collaboration and classroom innovation.
The FPL EmPOWERing STEM Educators program increases teacher knowledge of effective, standards-aligned instructional strategies while encouraging the practical implementation of innovative approaches in the classroom. The emphasis on educator-led learning communities allows teachers to share best practices and deepen their impact through collaboration.
“The support from FPL allows us to invest directly in our educators’ professional growth and sends a strong message that their work matters,” said Lisa Rhodes, Executive Director. “When teachers feel valued and are given meaningful opportunities to collaborate and innovate, it not only improves instruction—it helps us retain great teachers in our classrooms.”
The Consortium of Florida Education Foundations manages the program, which helps local education foundations across the state share resources, strategies, and support to ensure meaningful implementation. Since 2018, FPL has partnered with the Consortium to invest more than $600,000 in this initiative, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to improving STEM education statewide.
"For the last 100 years, FPL has been committed to powering strong communities. Our investment in STEM education is a way to spark innovation and opportunity for the next generation," said Sarah Marmion, FPL senior manager of education outreach. "By supporting our teachers through these grants, we're empowering them with the resources they need to inspire students and cultivate the problem-solvers and innovators of tomorrow."
FPL also supports teachers and students through other programs such as its STEM Classroom Makeover Grants. These grants provide educators with $50,000 to transform their learning environments with cutting-edge technology and hands-on materials. The program has helped Florida teachers create dynamic, interactive classrooms that make science, technology, engineering and mathematics more engaging for their students. Applications open this fall. You can learn more about other FPL’s education initiatives by visiting FPL.com/Education.
The Education Foundation of Martin County offers a variety of opportunities for individuals, businesses, and community partners to get involved in supporting local education. From sponsoring classroom grants and student programs to participating in special events or serving as a mentor, there are many ways to make a lasting impact. Community support is essential to helping students thrive and empowering teachers to innovate.  Visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org to learn how you can contribute to the success of Martin County’s public schools.
The Education Foundation of Martin County
The Education Foundation of Martin County is the Martin County School District’s strategic non-profit partner with the mission of enriching and enhancing educational opportunities and support for students and teachers in Martin County’s public schools.  As an independent group, the Foundation promotes this effort by raising and distributing private and corporate funds through several established programs, including classroom enrichment grants, literacy and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math) programs, professional development for teachers, special initiatives, scholarships and programs to recognize outstanding teaching.  For more information, visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.
 
Florida Power & Light Company    
Florida Power & Light Company is America’s largest electric utility, delivering reliable power to more than 6 million customer accounts — serving approximately 12 million people across Florida. By leveraging a diverse energy mix, including nuclear, natural gas, solar and battery storage, FPL operates one of the most fuel- and cost-efficient power generation fleets in the U.S. and has earned the ReliabilityOne® National Reliability Award for seven of the last ten years. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Florida-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE), which is one of the largest electric power and energy infrastructure companies in North America and is a leading provider of electricity to American homes and businesses. NextEra Energy is also the parent company of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is advancing America’s energy future with one of the largest and most diverse portfolios of power generation and infrastructure solutions. For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.