Carol City Senior High Students Launch Electric Vehicle Project with FPL Support
Students at Miami Carol City Senior High School are taking a major step toward the future of transportation and technology as they begin designing, building, and racing their own electric vehicle (EV)—thanks to a new donation from Florida Power & Light Company (FPL). The initiative gives local students hands-on experience with STEM concepts while connecting classroom learning to real-world careers in engineering and innovation.
FPL recently donated an Electrathon EV-build kit to the school, which is home to an Electric Vehicle Automotive Technology Magnet Program. Through the Electrathon program, students from the school’s STEM Scientists and Chief Motorsports clubs will work collaboratively throughout the school year to construct an electric go-kart and compete on a professional race track. The goal is to see which student-built vehicle can travel the farthest on a single battery charge.
Electrathon is designed to immerse students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) by encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. Participants must apply engineering principles, manage energy efficiency, and make design decisions that balance speed, endurance, and safety—skills that directly translate to careers in automotive technology, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.
The project also aligns with a major international racing event happening close to home. Just two miles from the school, the 2026 Formula E Miami E-Prix will take place at Hard Rock Stadium, offering students a unique opportunity to see professional electric racing in action. Ahead of the race, Carol City students will attend a special STEM Day field trip at the Miami International Autodrome, where they will explore real-world STEM careers and connect with Electrathon teams from across the Miami-Dade County Public School District.
Miami Carol City Senior High School is now the sixth Miami-Dade public school to participate in an FPL-sponsored Electrathon program. The expansion reflects FPL’s broader commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators and supporting workforce development in South Florida.“This experience allows students to move beyond textbooks and into hands-on learning,” FPL representatives noted. “By building and racing an electric vehicle, students gain exposure to emerging technologies while developing skills that are critical for the future economy.”
The EV kit was officially unveiled during a school event that simulated a mock car dealership, giving students the chance to present their project, explain its goals, and share what the opportunity means for their academic and career aspirations. Spanish-speaking students also shared testimonials highlighting the program’s impact on their confidence and interest in STEM fields.
As students begin their Electrathon journey, the project stands as a powerful example of how education, industry partnerships, and community investment can come together to inspire innovation—right here in Miami Gardens.
