Local Classroom Transformed Into STEM Lab

Florida Power & Light Company engineers led students at the Conservatory School in a generator build competition during the STEM Classroom Makeover reveal on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in North Palm Beach, Fla. The Conservatory School was one of five schools to receive FPL's STEM Classroom Makeover Grant for the 2023-24 school year. (FPL)

(Press Release) North Palm Beach, Fla. – Students explored with wonder inside the reimagined STEM lab at The Conservatory School, excited to try out their new VR headsets. Made possible through a STEM Classroom Makeover Grant from Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), the innovative learning space is designed to ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among students.

"One thing I love about the new classroom is the different opportunities available to us," said Teddy Snyder, an eighth-grade student at the Conservatory School. "No matter what your interests are, the new classroom has it."

FPL joined the Palm Beach County Education Foundation and the Palm Beach County School District to celebrate the completion of the STEM Classroom Makeover at The Conservatory School @ North Palm Beach. FPL engineers also led students in a generator build competition that emphasized the importance of energy and teamwork.

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​The $50,000 grant from FPL enabled The Conservatory School to incorporate cutting-edge technology, including VR headsets, iPads and a 3D laser printer, creating an immersive learning experience. The redesigned classroom now features advanced STEM technology aimed at enhancing student engagement and fostering creativity.

“The School District is grateful for the ongoing support of our dedicated community partners, like FPL, who collaborate with our schools and provide more resources for students to explore STEM-related fields,” said Michael J. Burke, superintendent of the School District of Palm Beach County. “The ripple effects of this partnership will be felt in the community for years to come as students grow into our next generation of medical professionals, engineers, researchers, computer scientists, and more.”

Now in its fourth year, FPL’s STEM Classroom Makeover Grant program, funded through the company’s charitable arm, the NextEra Energy Foundation, provides $50,000 grants for eligible Florida schools to offer transformational learning opportunities 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.

FPL this week announced that its super-sizing the program this year, expanding from five Classroom Makeover Grants to 20 grants across the state. The winning classrooms will be announced in the coming weeks, allowing more schools than ever to transform a space for their students to drive a passion for STEM subjects.

"We firmly believe in the power of education and the difference it can make in the lives of our youth," said Pam Rauch, FPL Vice President of External Affairs and Economic Development. "We are thrilled to be a part of creating a dynamic learning atmosphere for students across Florida. This classroom transformation at The Conservatory School represents our ongoing commitment to supporting education and providing students with the tools they need to thrive."

For more information about FPL's STEM Classroom Makeover Grant and its commitment to education, please visit FPL.com/ClassroomGrant.