College of Central Florida

At the College of Central Florida, access to education both a mission statement and a commitment to improving economic mobility across a diverse and geographically dispersed region. Serving Citrus, Levy, and Marion counties, the college operates across multiple campuses and centers, each with unique operational needs and community dynamics.

A broader definition of student success

While ongoing facility modernization and energy optimization efforts have strengthened campus infrastructure, the College of Central Florida saw an opportunity to extend its impact even further.

With support from an EMPOWER grant, the college partnered with College Park Elementary School, a local school where many students come from households facing economic hardship, and a significant portion are English language learners. Academic performance in science had fallen below county and state averages, highlighting a clear need for support and an opportunity to act collaboratively.

The opportunity to apply for the EMPOWER grant gave us the chance to act on a real community need. We proposed to use the grant to help the science teachers at College Park Elementary create an indoor/outdoor science lab with a focus on renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Jennifer Fryns, Associate Vice President, Career and Professional Programs, College of Central Florida

Building a foundation for future learners

Through the EMPOWER program, Siemens and the College of Central Florida helped bring a new vision to life: an indoor and outdoor STEM lab designed to make science tangible, engaging, and relevant. The lab focuses on two critical areas shaping the future of both education and the workforce:

Renewable energy
Sustainable agriculture

By integrating these concepts into hands on learning, educators teach core science principles through real world applications.

When you have a partnership like this, all sorts of unexpected benefits can happen.

Dr. Jennifer Fryns, Associate Vice President, Career and Professional Programs, College of Central Florida

Indoor / outdoor STEM lab

Renewable energy curriculum

Hands-on learning experiences

Strengthening K-12 and higher education partnerships

A partnership built on shared purpose

The success of this project highlights the flexibility and impact of the Siemens EMPOWER program. By removing barriers and enabling institutions to act quickly, colleges and universities are empowered to invest in initiatives that align directly with their mission.

For the College of Central Florida, that meant looking beyond campus boundaries and investing in the next generation of learners – before they even arrive.

It’s a reminder that the most meaningful outcomes often start with a simple question: How can we do more, together?