A Broward County school is set to receive a major classroom transformation after being selected as one of 10 winners in the Florida Power & Light Company’s 2025-26 STEM Classroom Makeover Grant program.
Sunrise Middle School was awarded a $50,000 grant to redesign its classroom into an innovative STEM learning environment aimed at expanding opportunities for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
“At Sunrise Middle School, where learning truly comes to life, The FALCON’s Nest represents a bold new chapter for our students,” said Denise Calder, magnet coordinator at the school. “Through our partnership with Florida Power & Light Company, this STEM Lab becomes a launchpad where curiosity takes shape, ideas are tested, and real-world challenges inspire meaningful solutions—preparing students to rise as tomorrow’s problem-solvers and leaders.”
The grant is part of the Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) Classroom Makeover Grant program, which selects schools across Florida to receive funding to modernize classrooms and enhance STEM education.
Each winning school will have one year to redesign and revitalize its classroom with updated technology, modern equipment, and hands-on learning tools. Planned upgrades may include virtual reality technology, 3D printers, robotics kits, and interactive displays designed to foster collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
“At FPL, we are committed to empowering students through education and we recognize the limitless opportunities that STEM learning can bring,” said Pam Rauch, vice president of External Affairs and Economic Development at FPL. “With STEM education forming the anchor of a thriving future, these grants are designed to spark creativity, exploration and a lifelong passion for learning within our communities. As we celebrate the fifth year of this program, we are proud to continue expanding its reach and positively impacting even more students.”
Now in its fifth year, the STEM Classroom Makeover Grant program is supported by the NextEra Energy Foundation, the corporate foundation of NextEra Energy and FPL. The initiative provides $50,000 grants to eligible Florida schools serving economically disadvantaged students, including Title I public, charter, or private schools, or schools with at least 40 percent economically disadvantaged enrollment.
“This investment in Sunrise Middle School represents exactly what’s possible when education and industry come together to create opportunity,” said James A. Knapp, president and CEO of the Broward Education Foundation. “By bringing cutting-edge STEM resources into the classroom, we’re not only enhancing how students learn, we’re opening doors to future careers and empowering the next generation of innovators right here in Broward County.”
Officials say the upgraded classroom is expected to provide hundreds of students with new opportunities to explore STEM fields and prepare for future careers.
