Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), a household name in the Sunshine State, is making waves in more ways than one this year. Not only is the company expanding its scholarship opportunities for high school seniors interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), but it’s also drawing attention to the role of sustainability and transparency in attracting both consumers and employees. These two threads—support for future innovators and a deep commitment to sustainable practices—are weaving a new narrative for FPL and related industry leaders in 2026.
FPL’s latest move in education is nothing short of ambitious. According to Coral Springs Talk, the company has announced the expansion of its scholarship program, targeting high school seniors with a keen interest in robotics and drone technology. The initiative offers three substantial awards: two $20,000 scholarships for students involved in robotics programs like FIRST, VEX, or B.E.S.T., and a $5,000 scholarship for a student who has participated in the Drones in School program. The aim? To empower the next generation of STEM leaders and, as FPL’s director of community engagement Kate Cotner put it, “invest in the future.”
“We’re thrilled to expand our scholarship programs for eligible high school seniors,” Cotner said, emphasizing the importance of robotics and drones in building critical skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation. These skills, she noted, are essential for success in today’s fast-changing world. By supporting these programs, FPL is not just handing out financial aid—it’s providing a springboard for young talent to leap into higher education and, ultimately, careers that can shape the future of technology and energy.
The scholarships are open to both public and private high school seniors within FPL’s service area who plan to pursue higher education in a STEM-related field. For those eyeing the robotics scholarships, there are some clear-cut requirements: applicants must have participated in a recognized robotics program—FIRST, VEX, or B.E.S.T.—for at least two years, with their participation completed within the past two years. They must also plan to enroll full-time at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school in the 2026–2027 academic year, aiming for a degree in engineering, information management, or another approved STEM-related discipline.
But it doesn’t stop there. Applicants for the robotics scholarships must be in good standing with their robotics club, provide a letter of recommendation from a robotics coach or teacher, and maintain a minimum weighted GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The bar is set high, but so are the potential rewards. The Drones in School scholarship, meanwhile, opens the door for students who have participated in the program for at least two years and finished within the last two years. These applicants must plan to enroll in a post-secondary vocational, technical, or trade school program, or a two- or four-year college or university in the coming academic year. Interestingly, there’s no minimum GPA for this scholarship, making it accessible to a broader group of students who are passionate about aviation, trades, or vocational fields.
For students and families eyeing these opportunities, there’s still time. Applications are open and have been extended to May 25, 2026, at 3 p.m. EST. Interested students can apply at FPL.com/Education, where additional details about eligibility and application materials are available. The company’s commitment to education and skill-building is more than just talk—it’s backed by real dollars and a clear, inclusive process.
These scholarships are already making a difference. Umair Kazi, the 2025 recipient of FPL’s Robotics Scholarship, shared, “This scholarship was extremely beneficial for both myself and my family. It allowed me to attend Georgia Tech out of state, which I absolutely love. I’m very grateful.” His words echo the impact such programs can have, not just on individual lives, but on the broader landscape of STEM education and workforce development.
But FPL’s forward-thinking approach isn’t limited to scholarships. Across the broader FPL brand family, the spotlight is also shining on sustainability and open communication as key drivers of success. At the recent Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit, held May 5-7, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri, Francois Leger, CEO of FPL Food, spoke about the central role of sustainability in his company’s ethos. “Every company works, or should work with certain values, and sustainability in our case is core to our values. It’s core to our vision,” Leger told summit attendees, as reported by WATTAgNet.
For Leger and FPL Food, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a lived value, woven into daily operations and strategic decisions. The company goes to great lengths to communicate its sustainable practices, both internally and externally. “We communicate a lot. We organize tours. We talk about everything we do,” Leger explained. One tangible example is the monthly newsletter FPL Food publishes, keeping employees and stakeholders in the loop about ongoing initiatives and achievements.
This commitment to openness is more than just good PR. As Leger pointed out, “The employees who work for the company are also consumers. They want to know. They want to feel good about what they’re doing in our company. They want to feel good about what the company is doing.” In other words, transparency and sustainability aren’t just about attracting customers—they’re crucial for building a motivated, engaged workforce.
FPL Food’s roots stretch back to 2004, when Leger purchased a harvesting and grinding facility in Augusta, Georgia. Since then, the company has grown to operate a harvest facility and a further processing facility in Georgia, as well as five farms across Georgia and Texas. These farms are home to more than 8,000 purebred Angus and Akaushi Wagyu cattle, supporting FPL Food’s beef brands and underscoring their commitment to quality and responsible agriculture.
In a world where consumers and employees alike are demanding more from the companies they support, FPL and FPL Food are striving to set a standard for transparency, sustainability, and investment in the future. Whether it’s through scholarships that open doors for the next generation of STEM leaders or through a culture of openness about sustainable practices, these companies are showing that values matter—and that living those values can be a powerful engine for growth and trust.
With scholarship deadlines looming and industry leaders doubling down on sustainability, the message is clear: the future belongs to those who invest in people, planet, and progress, one step—and one student—at a time.