Sunrise Middle School Awarded $50K STEM Classroom Makeover Grant

by Sharon Aron Baron April 1, 2026

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Sunrise Middle School gets a $50,000 STEM Classroom Makeover Grant from Florida Power & Light. {FPL}

Students at Sunrise Middle School will soon benefit from a cutting-edge learning environment after the school was awarded a $50,000 STEM Classroom Makeover Grant from Florida Power & Light Company for the 2025-26 school year.

The Broward County school is among 10 statewide recipients selected for the competitive grant program, which aims to enhance science, technology, engineering and math education through innovative classroom transformations.

“At Sunrise Middle School, where learning truly comes to life, The FALCON’s Nest represents a bold new chapter for our students,” said Denise Calder, the school’s magnet coordinator. “This STEM lab becomes a launchpad where curiosity takes shape, ideas are tested, and real-world challenges inspire meaningful solutions.”

Each selected school will have one year to redesign its classroom, incorporating advanced technology and hands-on tools such as virtual reality systems, 3D printers, robotics kits and interactive displays. The upgrades are designed to foster critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills.

FPL Vice President of External Affairs and Economic Development Pam Rauch said the program reflects the company’s commitment to education and workforce development.

“With STEM education forming the anchor of a thriving future, these grants are designed to spark creativity, exploration and a lifelong passion for learning,” Rauch said.

Now in its fifth year, the program is supported by the NextEra Energy Foundation and provides funding to Title I schools or those serving at least 40% economically disadvantaged students. The initiative focuses on expanding access to STEM resources and career pathways.

“This investment in Sunrise Middle School represents exactly what’s possible when education and industry come together to create opportunity,” said James A. Knapp, president and CEO of the Broward Education Foundation.

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Sharon Aron Baron: Editor of Sunrise Talk and Talk Media. Talk Media was created in 2011 to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Northwest Broward County.