Miami-Dade Student Receives Historic FPL Scholarship to Pursue Engineering Career
Ashley Vanegas-Fonseca a recent graduate of George T. Baker Technical College, receives a surprise visit from Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) on July 29, 2026, in Miami, FL. FPL surprised Ashley with a $5,000 Drones in School Scholarship and university swag. She will be attending Santa Fe Community College in the fall. Photos by FPL
What began as an ordinary evening turned into an unforgettable and potentially life-changing moment for Ashley Vanegas-Fonseca, a Miami-Dade County student preparing to begin her college journey.
Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) surprised the recent George T. Baker Aviation Technical School graduate, who lives in Miami Beach, with balloons, college gear and unexpected news: she had been selected as the first-ever recipient of FPL’s Drones in School Scholarship.
The $5,000 award recognizes Ashley’s academic achievements, dedication and passion for drone technology, robotics and science, technology, engineering and mathematics, commonly known as STEM.
“I’m having trouble with my tuition as of now, but knowing that I have this scholarship in my hand will definitely be a weight off my shoulder,” Vanegas-Fonseca said after receiving the news.
This fall, Ashley will attend Santa Fe College, where she plans to study electrical engineering. The scholarship will provide important financial support as she begins her higher education and continues developing the technical skills she has built over the past several years.
Ashley participated in Drones in School for more than two years, gaining hands-on experience in drone technology, design, engineering, teamwork and problem-solving. Through the program, students are encouraged to apply classroom knowledge in competitive and practical environments.
During that time, Ashley competed in numerous robotics and drone competitions and played a key role in her team’s success. Her contributions helped the team earn first place at both the Florida Drones in School State Championship and the Drones in School National Championship.
Her accomplishments highlight the impact that innovative educational programs can have on students by exposing them to emerging technologies and encouraging them to pursue careers in rapidly growing technical fields.
The inaugural scholarship is part of FPL’s broader commitment to supporting STEM education and helping prepare the next generation of engineers, scientists and innovators. By investing in students like Ashley, the company aims to expand access to educational opportunities and strengthen the future workforce in Florida.
For Ashley, the award is more than financial assistance. It is recognition of the hard work, discipline and determination that have shaped her academic journey and a powerful boost as she takes the next step toward her professional goals.
To learn more about Florida Power & Light Company’s education programs, visit FPL.com/Education.
