Tampa Educators Dive into STEAM with the Guy Harvey Foundation

On a sunny spring day, a group of dedicated educators gathered at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)'s Suncoast Youth Conservation Center (SYCC) for a journey of discovery and inspiration - courtesy of TECO!

Tampa Electric proudly sponsored a two-day training session hosted by the Guy Harvey Foundation. During that time, K-12 teachers from 28 different schools across four Tampa Bay area counties received an immersive introduction to the wonders of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) education and the importance of ocean conservation.

The Hillsborough, Polk, Pinellas and Pasco County teachers engaged in a variety of activities, each one designed to enrich their understanding of marine conservation and equip them with the tools to inspire their students. From kayaking and fishing to in-classroom training sessions, the experience served as a treasure trove of valuable insights and practical knowledge. The educators even got a sneak peek at what their students will experience on future field trips to SYCC and other FCTC features.

This whole initiative was made possible by TECO's pledge to fund three years of STEAM education focused on the ocean and conservation. In the end, more than 380,000 students across 650 local schools will benefit from the program.

"We cannot thank you enough for your support of the Guy Harvey Conservation Education program and our educator trainings at Suncoast Youth Conservation Center," said Amanda Martin, Director of Stewardship & Donor Relations at the Guy Harvey Foundation. "Providing these opportunities to teachers (and in turn, their students) is already making a huge impact in the community."

Thank you to the Guy Harvey Foundation, SYCC team and the teachers who participated. Together, we are shaping the next generation of environmental stewards and paving the way for a brighter future for Florida.