New Flight Simulators and Technology Give Florida Students a Hands-On Pathway Into Aviation and Aerospace
A classroom at Hallandale Magnet High School has been transformed into an immersive aeronautical learning environment designed to help students explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics while gaining firsthand exposure to the aviation industry.
The Hallandale Beach, Florida, school recently unveiled its new Aeronautical STEM Lab, equipped with flight simulators, computers, monitors and other technology. The transformation was made possible through a $50,000 STEM Classroom Makeover Grant from Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) in partnership with the Broward Education Foundation and Broward County Public Schools.
What was once a traditional classroom is now an environment where students can move beyond textbooks and experience concepts associated with flight, aviation technology and aerospace careers.
From the Classroom to the Cockpit
The centerpiece of the redesigned classroom is its flight simulation technology.
For students, simulators can turn subjects such as mathematics, physics, engineering and computer technology into interactive experiences. Instead of simply reading about aviation, students can begin understanding how technology, decision-making and technical knowledge work together in a simulated flight environment.
The new resources support Hallandale Magnet High School’s developing Aviation Program, whose inaugural class includes 25 students.
Jay Schwartz, an adjunct professor involved with the program, described its launch as an opportunity to introduce students to possibilities extending far beyond the classroom.
“It is an incredible honor to be part of the launch of the Aviation Program at Hallandale Magnet High School,” Schwartz said. “Our goal is to give these students more than a classroom experience—we want to expose them to the opportunities, careers, technology, and possibilities that exist within aviation and help them see themselves as future leaders in this industry.”
Creating a Pipeline to Aviation and Aerospace Careers
The significance of the new lab is about more than installing computers and flight simulators. The larger goal is to create an educational pathway connecting students with potential careers.
Aviation and aerospace encompass a broad range of professions—from pilots and engineers to technicians, airport operations professionals, technology specialists and other highly skilled workers.
Introducing students to these fields during high school can provide an important starting point for understanding the education, technical skills and professional preparation those careers require.
The transformed classroom also provides students with something equally important: an opportunity to envision themselves participating in industries they may not previously have considered.
Schwartz said the inaugural group represents the beginning of what educators hope becomes a lasting pathway into aviation and aerospace.
Technology Makes STEM Real
The partners celebrated the classroom transformation with a ceremony showcasing the equipment and the educational opportunities it creates.
James A. Knapp, president and CEO of Broward Education Foundation, emphasized that the investment reaches beyond the physical classroom.
“This investment is about more than transforming a classroom. It’s about giving students the opportunity to experience STEM in a way that feels real, relevant and connected to their future,” Knapp said.
Through flight simulators and other hands-on resources, students can explore aeronautics while developing practical skills and discovering possible career directions.
That experiential approach can be especially valuable in STEM education because students can see how classroom concepts connect to real-world industries.
A $50,000 Investment in Educational Opportunity
Hallandale Magnet High School was one of 20 schools selected to receive FPL’s $50,000 STEM Classroom Makeover Grant for the 2024–25 school year.
Now in its fifth year, the program provides grants to eligible Florida schools serving economically disadvantaged K–12 classrooms.
Funding can be used to address technology and resource needs that strengthen STEM curricula, increase student exposure to STEM subjects and introduce young people to related career opportunities.
For Hallandale Magnet, that investment became a complete aeronautical learning experience.
“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 Hallandale Magnet students.”
Cotner said the project reflects FPL’s broader commitment to supporting education and helping provide students with tools for future success.
Partnerships Can Transform What’s Possible
The project also demonstrates what can happen when schools, nonprofit educational organizations and private-sector partners combine resources around a shared objective.
Broward Education Foundation helped connect the investment to student needs, while Broward County Public Schools and Hallandale Magnet High School provided the educational setting where the technology can become part of ongoing instruction.
FPL supplied the grant investment that helped make the physical transformation possible.
Together, those elements have produced something students can use—not simply observe.
The result is a classroom designed to encourage exploration, experimentation and career awareness.
Building the Future One Classroom at a Time
As technology continues reshaping the workplace, access to modern learning tools can become an important part of preparing students for what comes next.
At Hallandale Magnet High School, the new aviation classroom offers students an opportunity to experience technology in action while developing their understanding of STEM.
For its inaugural group of 25 aviation students, the classroom represents a beginning.
They can now enter a learning environment that asks them to imagine themselves not simply as students studying aviation, but as future pilots, engineers, technology professionals and aerospace leaders.
That may ultimately be the greatest impact of the makeover: transforming not only a classroom, but also what students believe is possible.
Key Highlights
- $50,000 STEM investment: Hallandale Magnet High School received an FPL STEM Classroom Makeover Grant to transform its learning environment.
- Aviation technology arrives on campus: New flight simulators, computers and monitors provide students with immersive, hands-on experiences.
- 25 students launch the program: The school’s inaugural Aviation Program class introduces students to aviation and aerospace opportunities.
- Career exposure begins early: The lab connects STEM education with potential careers in aviation, engineering, technology and aerospace.
- Community partnership drives the project: FPL, Broward Education Foundation and Broward County Public Schools collaborated on the transformation.
- Long-term STEM opportunity: The initiative is designed to give students access to technology, resources and experiences that can help prepare them for future education and careers.
Learn More
For information about FPL’s STEM Classroom Makeover Grant and education initiatives:
FPL STEM Classroom Makeover Grant
Additional information about the organizations involved is available through Florida Power & Light Company and NextEra Energy.
Report by Mark Winkler
