The Florida Department of Education celebrated academic excellence at the 28th annual Sunshine State Scholars conference in Orlando. The event highlighted the achievements of the state’s top 11th-grade students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The conference, attended by 112 student-scholars and their families, was co-hosted by the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Education Foundation. Notably, 43 students received 1-year scholarships sponsored by State Farm and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
“The Sunshine State Scholars program is an incredible opportunity to recognize Florida’s brightest STEM students and their outstanding achievements,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “I extend my highest appreciation for their dedication and hard work, and I know that these students will continue to reach new heights of achievement throughout their academic journey.”
Kevin Reeves, State Farm Enterprise Technology Manager, stated, “State Farm is committed to helping nurture students’ creativity and sparking their imagination through STEM. As an organization, State Farm has many resources and tools to assist our local educators in supplementing their curriculum. We encourage students to enter STEM fields and become lifelong learners, while simultaneously contributing to a dynamic global society.”
Cynthia O’Connell, Director of the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, commented, “We at the Florida Prepaid College Foundation are delighted to once again support the Sunshine State Scholars Program. Providing education is the greatest opportunity we can offer to our future generations, helping them build a brighter future for themselves and our wonderful state.”
These scholars, chosen by Florida school districts as the top 11th-grade STEM students, and their families participated in a program designed to connect them with Florida’s postsecondary education institutions and STEM-focused employers. This year’s event included a “think tank” where scholars tackled challenging Florida issues through problem-solving activities and expert presentations. Additionally, each scholar received a new iPad from AT&T, and SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment provided tickets for a day of leisure.
The 2025 Sunshine State Scholars engaged with representatives from Florida’s leading higher education institutions, including the Florida University System, Florida College System, and the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida. Topics discussed included college funding, interactive panel discussions with STEM professionals, and educational opportunities in Florida.
The Department honored each scholar during the event and awarded 43 students with 1-year scholarships to attend Florida’s top-ranked higher education institutions.
The conference was supported by the Florida Education Foundation and sponsors such as State Farm, Florida Prepaid College Foundation, AT&T, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Florida Lottery, Kyra Solutions, Duke Energy, TECO, Limitless Solutions, and School Choice.
Further information about the Sunshine State Scholars program and the 2025 conference can be found at floridaeducationfoundation.com.
