FPL extends STEM scholarship application deadline to May 25 to give more students time to apply for robotics and drone awards
Coral Springs, Florida – Florida Power & Light Company is widening access to STEM education funding for high school seniors, extending the application deadline for its scholarship program while continuing to support students involved in robotics and drone-based learning across its service region.
The updated program from Florida Power & Light Company offers three total scholarships aimed at students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Two awards of $20,000 each will go to students who have participated in established robotics programs such as FIRST, VEX, or B.E.S.T., while one additional $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student involved in the Drones in School program.
The company says the initiative is designed to strengthen early interest in technical fields and support students as they transition into higher education. Officials highlighted the growing importance of hands-on learning experiences in robotics and drone technology as industries continue to evolve.
“We’re thrilled to expand our scholarship programs for eligible high school seniors,” said Kate Cotner, FPL director of community engagement. “Robotics and drones offer fantastic opportunities for students to build critical skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation—all essential in today’s fast-changing world. By supporting these programs, we’re investing in the future and empowering the next generation of STEM leaders.”
The scholarships are open to both public and private high school seniors within FPL’s service area who plan to pursue STEM-related degrees. Eligible students must demonstrate sustained participation in robotics or drone programs and meet specific academic and program requirements depending on the scholarship category.
For the robotics scholarships, applicants are required to have at least two years of involvement in a qualifying robotics program completed within the past two years. Students must also plan to enroll full-time in the 2026–2027 academic year at an accredited college, university, or vocational-technical school. Acceptable fields of study include engineering, information management, and other approved STEM disciplines.
Additional requirements include maintaining a minimum weighted GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, being in good standing with their robotics team, and submitting a letter of recommendation from a coach or teacher. Organizers say these criteria are meant to recognize both academic performance and active participation in team-based technical learning.
The drone-focused scholarship follows a slightly different structure. The Drones in School award is open to students who have completed at least two years in the program within the past two years. Applicants must also plan to pursue post-secondary education in a vocational, technical, trade, or traditional college setting beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year.
Unlike the robotics scholarships, the drone scholarship does not require a minimum GPA. However, students must remain in good standing with their drone program and submit a recommendation from a teacher or coach. Recipients are expected to pursue a degree, license, or certification in aviation, trades, or a related vocational field.
The expansion of the program reflects a broader push by organizations and employers to strengthen workforce pipelines in technical fields, particularly as demand grows for skilled workers in engineering, automation, and aviation-related industries. Robotics and drone programs have become increasingly common in high schools, offering students early exposure to real-world applications of engineering and programming.
Past recipients say the scholarships can have a significant impact on educational opportunities. One 2025 recipient described how the support helped shape their academic path.
“This scholarship was extremely beneficial for both myself and my family,” said Umair Kazi, the 2025 recipient of FPL’s Robotics Scholarship. “It allowed me to attend Georgia Tech out of state, which I absolutely love. I’m very grateful.”
Applications for the expanded scholarship program are now open and have been extended to May 25, 2026, at 3 p.m. EST. Students interested in applying can submit their applications online through the official FPL education portal.
More details about eligibility requirements and other educational initiatives are available at FPL.com/Education, where students can also explore additional opportunities related to STEM learning and career development.
With the deadline extension and expanded support, organizers hope more students will take advantage of the program, especially those already engaged in robotics and drone education who may be considering future careers in high-demand technical fields.
