Investing in Tomorrow: NextEra Energy Foundation Celebrates 2026 SECME Scholarship Recipients
Every breakthrough begins with opportunity.
For ten Florida students each year, the NextEra Energy Foundation SECME Scholarship represents more than financial assistance, it is an investment in their potential to become the engineers, innovators, scientists, and technology leaders who will help shape Florida's future.
Administered through Scholarship America, the scholarship awards $5,000 annually, renewable for up to four years, to graduating high school seniors who have participated in SECME (Science, Engineering, Communication, Mathematics, and Enrichment) and are pursuing degrees in STEM-related fields.
The scholarship reflects NextEra Energy Foundation's long-standing commitment to developing a diverse, highly skilled workforce equipped to solve tomorrow's most complex challenges while strengthening the communities it serves.
A Scholarship That Opens Doors
For many students, receiving the scholarship is just the beginning.
One inspiring example is Samuel Dorcelus-Cetoute, a former SECME scholarship recipient whose journey demonstrates the lasting impact of investing in young talent. After receiving the scholarship as a high school senior, Samuel continued pursuing his passion for civil engineering at the University of Florida. Today, he is gaining valuable hands-on experience as an intern with Florida Power & Light (FPL), applying what he's learned in the classroom while contributing to projects that support Florida's growing infrastructure.
The scholarship helped cover essential expenses while he pursued his education, but for Samuel, receiving the award was more than financial support. Iit was validation that his hard work and dedication could open new doors.
"Receiving this scholarship gave me the determination to keep pushing forward and continue applying for new opportunities," shared Samuel. "Every time the scholarship helped pay for my rent, food and books, it reminded me that someone believed in me.”
His story illustrates the power of connecting education, mentorship, and real-world experience. What began as a scholarship opportunity has evolved into meaningful professional development, bringing Samuel one step closer to a career dedicated to building stronger communities.
His journey also reflects the broader vision behind the scholarship program: helping students not only earn a college degree, but also develop into the next generation of STEM professionals who will power innovation across Florida.
Congratulations to the 2026 SECME Scholarship Recipients
The scholarship recipients from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties were honored during a special celebration at FPL's Manatee Lagoon, where they gathered alongside proud family members, mentors, educators, and supporters to celebrate not only their remarkable achievements, but also the exciting journeys that lie ahead.
The NextEra Energy Foundation is proud to recognize the outstanding students selected to receive the 2026 SECME Scholarship. Each recipient has demonstrated academic achievement, leadership, perseverance, and a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
These students represent communities across Florida and embody the curiosity, determination, and innovative thinking that will help shape the state's future workforce. As they begin the next chapter of their educational journeys, they join a growing network of SECME scholars whose accomplishments continue to demonstrate the value of investing in STEM education.
Following the announcement of this year's recipients, Jasmine Govan Edmonds, Senior Community Relations Specialist and SECME Scholarship Program Director at FPL, shared in a social media post, "I have truly enjoyed managing this scholarship program over the past four years and seeing its growth. We are so proud of each of you and can't wait to see all that you accomplish!”
Building Florida's Future Workforce
As technology rapidly transforms every industry, from clean energy and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing, the need for talented STEM professionals has never been greater.
Programs like SECME, combined with the support of organizations like the NextEra Energy Foundation, help ensure that promising students have the resources, encouragement, and opportunities needed to pursue careers that make a lasting impact.
For every scholarship awarded, there is the potential for a future engineer who designs resilient infrastructure, a scientist who advances clean energy solutions, or a technology leader who helps solve challenges we have yet to imagine.
Congratulations to the 2026 NextEra Energy Foundation SECME Scholarship recipients. Your hard work, dedication, and passion for learning have already set you apart, and we look forward to seeing the extraordinary contributions you will make in the years ahead.
