Guy Harvey Foundation and Florida Power and Light Company mark a major milestone in their partnership to advance marine science education across Florida

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – The Guy Harvey Foundation (GHF) and Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) are celebrating a milestone in their partnership that has already made a significant impact on environmental education across the state of Florida. Since 2021, FPL, through a gift by the NextEra Energy Foundation, has supported GHF’s efforts to bring marine science education and conservation programs into schools, equipping teachers and students with the tools and knowledge needed to protect Florida’s delicate ecosystems.

As one of the Foundation’s earliest and most prominent partners, FPL’s support has been instrumental in expanding GHF’s Conservation Education Program. This year, in honor of FPL’s 100th anniversary, the company contributed more than $60,000 to fund professional development for teachers, enabling 100 educators to participate in Conservation Education Training sessions held throughout Florida. These sessions provide hands-on learning and resources designed to empower teachers to inspire the next generation of ocean conservationists.

“We are so incredibly grateful for the generosity and support from FPL, one of Florida’s most prominent and largest companies,” said Jessica Harvey, CEO of the Guy Harvey Foundation. “Thanks to companies like FPL, we can continue providing educational programming that empowers educators and inspires the next generation of marine conservationists, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and benefit from a properly balanced ocean ecosystem.”

The funding not only covered the cost of the training sessions but also provided participating teachers with access to grants to offset expenses such as travel, stipends, and substitute teachers, ensuring that educators from across the state could take part without financial barriers. Additionally, each teacher received a co-branded “treasure chest” packed with classroom supplies from GHF and FPL, further supporting the integration of marine science and conservation lessons into their curricula. Ten additional field trip grants were funded as well, allowing teachers to take students into natural environments where they could apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

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The Guy Harvey Conservation Education program is designed for educators at all levels, from elementary to high school, and offers an immersive, experiential approach to environmental education. Teachers who complete the program become Guy Harvey Conservation Educators, gaining both the knowledge and resources to foster environmental stewardship among students. By participating in regional professional development opportunities focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), educators are equipped to bring marine science and ocean conservation to life in their classrooms.

“These programs provide teachers with everything they need to excite and inspire students about ocean conservation and environmental science,” said Harvey. “By empowering educators, we are able to reach thousands of students and instill a sense of responsibility and curiosity that will carry into their futures.”

Juliet Roulhac, senior director of external affairs for Broward and Southwest Florida regions at FPL and director of corporate philanthropy for NextEra Energy, emphasized the broader impact of the partnership. “We’re proud to partner with the Guy Harvey Foundation to support educators who inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and STEM leaders,” Roulhac said. “Teachers play a vital role in shaping young minds and fostering curiosity about our natural world. By investing in their classrooms and providing resources that bring marine science and conservation to life, we’re empowering students to explore careers in STEM while deepening their understanding of Florida’s unique ecosystems. Together, we’re helping to build a future where students are equipped with the knowledge and passion to drive innovation in their communities.”

The collaboration between GHF and FPL goes beyond classroom instruction. It is part of a broader effort to ensure that Florida’s natural resources are understood, valued, and protected by future generations. Through these programs, students gain exposure to real-world conservation challenges, learning about the importance of maintaining balanced marine ecosystems and the impact of human activities on ocean health. Educators, in turn, receive ongoing support to enhance their teaching, incorporating hands-on activities, field experiences, and classroom tools that make environmental education engaging and accessible.

Over the years, the Guy Harvey Foundation has developed a strong reputation for combining scientific research, educational outreach, and conservation advocacy. Its mission is to understand and protect the ocean environment, supporting local, national, and international research efforts while also creating innovative educational programs. The partnership with FPL enhances this mission by providing critical funding, resources, and reach, allowing GHF to expand its impact across schools and communities throughout Florida.

For FPL, the collaboration is part of a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and corporate philanthropy. As one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, FPL serves approximately 12 million people across Florida and has consistently invested in programs that support sustainability and education. By partnering with GHF, FPL connects its environmental commitment with community engagement, directly impacting teachers and students while fostering the next generation of STEM leaders and conservation advocates.

Through initiatives such as the Conservation Education Program and the field trip grants, GHF and FPL are helping to build a foundation for lasting environmental awareness. Students not only learn about marine science but also experience the natural world firsthand, developing a connection to the ecosystems they study. These experiences encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility, which are essential for fostering future conservationists and leaders in science and technology.

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The milestone celebration of this partnership highlights the effectiveness of collaboration between nonprofit organizations and corporate partners in driving meaningful change. By combining expertise, funding, and outreach capabilities, GHF and FPL demonstrate how targeted support can amplify the reach of educational programs and create tangible benefits for communities.

Looking ahead, the Guy Harvey Foundation and Florida Power & Light Company aim to continue expanding these programs, training more teachers, supporting additional field trips, and providing resources that inspire students to explore careers in STEM and environmental conservation. The partnership sets a model for how corporations and nonprofits can work together to make a lasting impact on education, conservation, and community engagement.

For more information about the Guy Harvey Foundation’s educational, research, and conservation initiatives, or to get involved, visit www.GuyHarveyFoundation.org. Follow the Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @GuyHarveyOcean. To learn more about FPL’s environmental commitment, visit www.fpl.com/environment.