When students walked through the doors at Sherwood Elementary and Bellview Elementary on Monday morning, they stepped into a different world.
Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), the Escambia County Education Foundation, and the Escambia County School District joined together to celebrate the completion of two STEM Classroom Makeovers, one at each school. Both classrooms are now equipped with interactive presentation boards, hydroponics tables, robotics kits, and 3D printers — tools designed to turn passive learners into active problem-solvers.
“These aren’t just gadgets; they are keys that will unlock new ways for our students to solve problems, collaborate, and lead,” said Sherwood Principal Tammy Douglas. “FPL often speaks about ‘powering the future.’ Through this grant, they are doing exactly that — investing in the next generation of Florida’s engineers, scientists, and innovators.”
Ceremonies were held at both campuses to mark the milestone, giving students, educators, and community partners a chance to see the redesigned spaces in action.
The makeovers were made possible through FPL’s STEM Classroom Makeover Grant program, now in its fifth year. The program provides $50,000 grants to eligible Florida schools, with a focus on historically disadvantaged K-12 classrooms. Grant funds can be used to address needs in infrastructure, technology, or resources that advance STEM curricula, exposure, and career pathways for diverse students.
Kate Cotner, FPL’s Director of Community Engagement, said the investment reflects the company’s broader mission. “We believe deeply in the power of education to transform young lives,” Cotner said. “These classroom transformations reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting education and equipping students with the tools they need to succeed.”
Escambia Public Schools Foundation Executive Director Jo McArthur praised both schools for successfully competing for the grants and putting the funds to work. “FPL’s commitment to education, in the area of STEM in particular, is phenomenal in Escambia County and throughout the state,” McArthur said. “These grants are truly transformative and expose students to educational opportunities and tools that will open doors for future careers. They are providing experiences that are life-changing for thousands of students.”
Both Sherwood and Bellview elementary schools wrote and were awarded the grants independently, a testament to the initiative of their educators and administrators in seeking resources for their communities.
For more information about FPL’s STEM Classroom Makeover Grant program, visit FPL.com/ClassroomGrant.
