Miami-Dade County High School Unveils Hospital-Simulated Classroom Makeover

Florida Power & Light Company (FPL)  joined  the Education Fund and Miami-Dade  County Public Schools  to celebrate the completion of the STEM Classroom Makeover at Hialeah Gardens High School in Hialeah Gardens.    

The FPL grant enabled Hialeah Gardens High School to transform the classroom into a fully equipped hospital simulation environment. The immersive space features stations for nursing, a simulation lab, allied health assisting, emergency care and rehabilitation. The redesigned classroom now boasts new STEM technology  to  help enhance student engagement and foster creativity.

“The ability to actually to have the materials here, that’s the biggest thing,” said Dr. Mauris Baluja, Hialeah Gardens Senior High School Heath Sciences Educator. “You could only talk about it or show it in pictures, but that hands-on experience they are gaining makes me very proud.”

To mark this significant milestone,  the  partners hosted a ceremony at  the school  to  showcase  the transformed classroom and  witness  the positive impact of education  in  the lives of local students.  

"We believe deeply in the power of education to transform young lives," said Kate Cotner, FPL Director of Community Engagement. "We're thrilled to help create an inspiring learning environment for Hialeah Gardens students. This classroom transformation reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting education and equipping students with the tools they need to succeed." 

"Florida Power & Light Company’s investments in Miami-Dade County Public Schools total more than $500,000 over the past three years — giving students the tools to excel in STEM," said Linda Lecht, President of The Education Fund. "A perfect example: Hialeah Gardens Senior High School's new immersive medical simulation environment, powered by an FPL Classroom Makeover Grant. Students now have hands-on, career-focused experiences they can carry into their futures. This is exactly the kind of partnership we strive to encourage — pairing innovative education with private sector resources so students can succeed."

FPL’s STEM Classroom Makeover Grant program, now in its fifth year, provides  $50,000  grants for  eligible Florida  schools to  provide  transformational learning opportunities in economically disadvantaged K-12 classrooms. Funds are available to address needs in technology or resources that will advance STEM curricula, exposure and careers to students in a classroom setting.   

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

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. Or: www.FPL.com. Or: www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.  

About Miami-Dade County Public Schools:

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), an A-rated district, is the nation’s third-largest school system, serving more than 300,000 students across 340+ schools. With students representing over 160 countries, M-DCPS is a vibrant reflection of global diversity and academic excellence. Our commitment to excellence is evident in our landmark 95 percent graduation rate and consistent recognition at national and international levels. Anchored in excellence, innovation, choice, and safety, M-DCPS continues to be your best choice for a world-class education.