The Education Foundation of Collier County – Champions For Learning 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 Collier County. 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 Dr. Eric Williams, President and CEO of Champions For Learning. “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.
Through this grant funded project, Champions For Learning will collaborate with Collier County Public Schools to host peer-to-peer learning observation days that include new teachers as observers and veteran teachers as leaders. Champions For Learning has facilitated peer-to-peer learning projects for teachers through grant funding received by FPL since 2017.
To learn more about Champions For Learning’s work to support educators, visit www.championsforlearning.org.
About Champions For Learning™
Founded in 1990, the Education Foundation of Collier County – Champions For Learning’s mission is to serve as a catalyst for educational success by investing in Collier’s students and educators. Our Student Programs are designed to equip and prepare students for their future learning and career goals, and our Educator Programs are designed to value, empower, and support our educators to experience professional success. Recognized as the education foundation serving Collier County by the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, Champions For Learning serves as a unifying force within the community by driving collective action towards the common goal of student and educator success.
Champions For Learning is a volunteer driven organization. Of the 428 people who volunteer with us each year, over half dedicate two to four hours of their time to our organization every week. With dedicated volunteers and a committed administrative team, Champions For Learning embodies the belief that education is everything! For more information about Champions For Learning or to see more of our work, visit our website www.championsforlearning.org.
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.