Collier County Classroom Wins STEM Classroom Makeover

Hundreds of local students will have new opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) as Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) Classroom Makeover Grant program has selected its 10 winners for the 2025-26 school year. One school in Collier County received a $50,000 grant to transform their classroom into an innovative learning space, igniting a passion for STEM among its students.

The winning school in Collier County is Manatee Middle School.

“Having the honor of teaching at Manatee Middle School for over nine years, I have seen firsthand how hard our students work and how deeply they deserve the amazing

educational opportunities this FPL grant awards them,” said Collier County Public Schools Science Teacher Shanna Moss. “This outdoor science lab is more than a makeover, it’s a place where our students can feel inspired, work together, and truly experience the joy of discovery. I am beyond grateful for the generosity of FPL and so excited to watch our students learn, grow, and thrive because of it.”

Each school will have one year to redesign and revitalize their classrooms, infusing them with cutting-edge technological resources, modern equipment, and hands-on learning materials. From virtual reality and 3D printers to robotics kits and interactive displays, these schools will purchase the supplies they need to foster a dynamic learning environment that encourages critical thinking, collaboration, 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 FPL Vice President of External Affairs and Economic Development Pam Rauch. “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, FPL’s STEM Classroom Makeover Grant program, supported by the NextEra Energy Foundation, a corporate foundation of NextEra Energy, Inc. and FPL, provides $50,000 grants for eligible Florida schools to offer transformational learning 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 diverse students in a classroom setting.

“Champions For Learning is proud to support Collier County Public Schools — from individual teachers to entire schools and districtwide initiatives — as we work together to improve student achievement across our community,” said Eric Williams, President & CEO of Champions For Learning. “We are especially excited to partner even more closely with CCPS to bring Manatee Middle School’s outdoor STEM classroom to life, thanks to the generosity of Florida Power & Light. This investment will expand hands-on learning opportunities and inspire students to explore future careers in STEM.”