$7,981 Grant from Florida Power & Light Company Supports STEM Teacher Innovation in Volusia

FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools 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 Volusia. 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 Shimene Shepard, 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 funding will continue to support STEM-focused teacher peer-to-peer learning opportunities, with direction and leadership from Volusia County School District STEM Specialist Amy Monahan. The goal of this project is to show how effectively integrated STEM lessons, where math and science teachers collaborate, can be successful. This year’s program continues the work of the past several years as teacher leaders will assist with running collaboration and observation days for teachers to better hone their teaching and curriculum planning skills. This model provides professional development for all types of teachers to create lessons and then observe each other facilitating the lessons in their classrooms.

To learn more about FUTURES’ work to support educators, visit www.FUTURESvolusia.org

FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools

Founded in 1985, FUTURES is a nonprofit, direct support organization for Volusia County Schools. Its mission is to engage business, civic, and district leaders to promote and achieve educational excellence for Volusia County Public Schools. FUTURES’s 30-member board of directors consists of area leaders who direct and raise funds to facilitate a variety of programs in the school district. For more information about FUTURES Foundation, please contact Shimene Shepard, Executive Director, at (386) 255-6475, extension 50730, or futuresfoundation@volusia.k12.fl.us.

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.

Photo 1: L to R FUTURES Foundation Assistant Director Stephanie C. Parks and Ms. Akrisza Kemp-Brown, 8th grade Science Teacher and Department Chair at David C. Hinson, Sr. Middle School (Daytona Beach). Ms. Kemp-Brown is one of the teacher leaders for project implementation.