A generous $50,000 gift from NextEra Energy Foundation, a corporate foundation of NextEra Energy Inc. and Florida Power & Light Company, has launched the inaugural Florida Power & Light Robotics Summer Camp, hosted by the University of West Florida Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering, providing 16 local middle and high school students an immersive learning experience.
“Research has shown kids make their decision whether to go into engineering in middle school, so we wanted to bring them in to engage and inspire them to go into STEM fields,” explained Dr. Bhuvana Ramachandran, professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
- The foundation’s investment ensures sustainability, funding the camp through 2027 and covering all costs for participants, including consumable kits, robot control systems, and event materials.
Hands-On Learning
The camp structure balanced education with practical application. Students spent mornings in learning sessions, then put their new skills to work in afternoon challenges. These tasks ranged from programming robots to grab blocks to playing football with their mechanical creations.
- For 11-year-old Srirama Kesharwani, the experience was transformative. “This camp gave us opportunities to build, on top of coding,” said Kesharwani, who aspires to become a software engineer. “I feel a lot more used to building robots and coding them; now I can build basic robots.”
Building Tomorrow’s Workforce
J.T. Young, FPL vice president and general manager of the Northwest region, stressed the company’s broader commitment to STEM education. “Through our strategic partnerships with schools, nonprofits and community organizations, we provide students with hands-on learning experiences, scholarships and direct pathways to STEM careers.”
FPL’s efforts extend beyond summer camps, supporting scholarships, robotics competitions, and internship opportunities while prioritizing economically disadvantaged communities.
- “By nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers, FPL is helping to create a diverse, skilled workforce ready to tackle the energy challenges of tomorrow while driving economic growth and environmental stewardship in Florida,” Young added.
For more information about the UWF Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering, visit uwf.edu/hmcse.