Brian Copes and Jerry Webb will lead real-world initiatives that empower students to solve global challenges through hands-on learning
BABCOCK RANCH, Fla. (JULY 21, 2026) – Babcock Ranch, America’s first solar powered town, is bringing nationally recognized STEM educators Brian Copes and Jerry Webb to Babcock Schools as part of its continued investment in innovative education. The new educators bring more than 60 years of combined experience in project-based learning, STEM education and workforce development. Working alongside award-winning STEM Director Lori McLain, they will expand hands-on learning opportunities that connect classroom instruction to humanitarian challenges facing communities around the world.
Beginning this school year, students will have opportunities to participate in numerous STEM projects that extend far beyond the classroom. Planned initiatives include designing and constructing solar-powered classrooms for an underserved community in Honduras, developing portable solar-powered backpacks for educators and students in Ukraine, producing 3D-printed prosthetic limbs for amputees in Central and South America and launching an electric vehicle engineering program that introduces students to advanced manufacturing and sustainable transportation technologies.
“At Babcock High School, we believe education should inspire curiosity, innovation and purpose,” said Shannon Treece, executive director of Babcock Schools. “Brian and Jerry represent the very best in project-based learning, and their vision aligns perfectly with our commitment to prepare students for successful careers, as well as to become thoughtful leaders capable of solving real-world challenges. Their arrival marks an exciting new chapter for our schools and for the future of education at Babcock Ranch.”
Copes, an internationally recognized educator with more than 30 years of experience, is widely known for pioneering humanitarian engineering initiatives that enable students to apply technical skills to improve lives around the world. His work has earned national and international recognition, including PEOPLE Magazine Teacher of the Year honors and selection as a Global Teacher Prize finalist.
“I’ve always believed students are capable of far more than we often ask of them,” Copes said. “When young people are given meaningful challenges and the opportunity to apply their knowledge to help others, they learn that education has the power to change lives. That’s the kind of learning we’re excited to bring to Babcock Schools.”
Webb, an award-winning Career and Technical Education educator and founder of the nationally recognized Next Generation Sustainable Living program, has spent nearly three decades developing innovative engineering programs that connect classroom learning with industry and community needs.
“Project-based learning gives students a reason to learn because they can immediately see how the knowledge applies to the world around them,” Webb said. “Whether students are designing renewable energy systems or solving challenges for communities around the globe, they’re building the technical skills, creativity and confidence they’ll carry well beyond their school years.”
The addition of Copes and Webb reflects Babcock Schools’ continued investment in project-based learning that connects classroom learning to real-world impact.
About Babcock Schools
Babcock Schools is an innovative public charter school of choice for families seeking a more purposeful, hand-on approach to education. Its model is rooted in real-world learning, high student engagement and a rigorous, collaborative environment. Through project-based learning, students build the knowledge and durable skills needed to thrive in today’s fast-changing world. Babcock Neighborhood School was founded in 2017 with the development of the Babcock Ranch community, followed by Babcock High School in 2022. Today, Babcock Schools serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade in the heart of Babcock Ranch, America’s first solar-powered town. Learn more at BabcockNeighborhoodSchools.org.
