- December 4, 2025
FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools has received a $7,981 Florida Power & Light Company EmPOWERing STEM Educators grant, a press release announced Thursday.
The grant will support the advancement of STEM-focused professional learning for Volusia teachers.
“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, FUTURES Foundation 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 grant program is managed by the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, which the press release states helps local education foundations across Florida share resources, strategies and support. Since 2018, FPL has partnered with the Consortium to invest more than $600,000 in this initiative.
"For the last 100 years, FPL has been committed to powering strong communities," said Sarah Marmion, FPL senior manager of education outreach. "Our investment in STEM education is a way to spark innovation and opportunity for the next generation. 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 its STEM Classroom Makeover Grants, which provides educators with $50,000 to bolster classrooms with new technology and hands-on materials. Applications open Sept. 30. Visit FPL.com/Education.
