The Port of Corpus Christi has partnered with Learning Undefeated, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides life-changing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) experiences for communities, to launch the new Port of Corpus Christi PORT-Able Learning Lab, bringing a unique and innovative educational resource to schools across the Coastal Bend region.
The Port of Corpus Christi PORT-Able Learning Lab is part of the Port of Corpus Christi’s commitment to support STEM education and STEM careers in order to develop the workforce of tomorrow. The Port of Corpus Christi supports more than 98,000 jobs in the South Texas Coastal Bend region in various fields. This investment will help provide students with skills to more readily compete for jobs and fill the needs of this region’s current labor demand. The PORT-Able Learning Lab will be made available to students in schools across South Texas.
“Our goal is to spark interest in STEM careers and build the workforce that will drive the innovation economy,” said Rosaura Bailey, Director of Community of Relations for the Port of Corpus Christi. “The Port of Corpus Christi PORT-Able Learning Lab will help us to achieve this by strengthening STEM education for Coastal Bend students, showing them a world of career possibilities.”
Since its inception, Learning Undefeated’s mobile labs have served more than 200,000 K-12 students during more than 600 school visits. More than $7 million has been raised from corporate partners, foundations, individuals, and state and local government to support Learning Undefeated’s STEM education programming.
“This PORT-Able Learning Lab is an exciting new way to connect Coastal Bend students with STEM concepts and careers,” said Brian Gaines, CEO of Learning Undefeated. “This partnership with the Port of Corpus Christi is significant for our organization, expanding our network of mobile STEM laboratory education content to include maritime and industry-related career readiness.”
The PORT-Able Learning Lab will be launched in two phases, starting with K-8 schools in July through the remainder of the 2022 calendar year. A high school curriculum will be launched in January 2023 for area high schools. The Port of Corpus Christi has worked with area independent school districts to develop and launch the program, along with representatives from Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend.
“The Port of Corpus Christi is grateful for the collaborative partners – such as Learning Undefeated, local school districts and community partners – we have had in developing this incredible program,” said Charles W. Zahn Jr., Port of Corpus Christi Commission Chairman. “This will go a long way to not only setting our children up for future success, but that the continued prosperity our region has enjoyed for the past 100 years since the Port was established will only grow in the decades ahead.”
About Port Corpus Christi
As a leader in U.S. energy export ports and a major economic engine of Texas and the nation, Port Corpus Christi is the largest port in the United States in total revenue tonnage. Strategically located on the western Gulf of Mexico with a 36-mile, soon to be 54-foot (MLLW) deep channel, Port Corpus Christi is a major gateway to international and domestic maritime commerce. The Port has excellent railroad and highway network connectivity via three North American Class-1 railroads and two major interstate highways. With an outstanding staff overseen by its seven-member commission, Port Corpus Christi is “Moving America’s Energy.” www.portofcc.com
About Learning Undefeated
Learning Undefeated, Inc. is a non-profit organization that brings life-changing STEM education and career opportunities to underserved communities. Through innovative and experiential education programs for grades K-12, we are sparking interest in STEM careers, building the workforce that will drive the innovation economy, and bridging school, community, health, and business.
