This Week's Latest Tech News in Corpus Christi, TX - Sunday April 27th 2025 Edition

This week, Corpus Christi continued its rapid ascent as a tech and innovation hub, marked by new investment, educational milestones, and industry growth. With $504 million in federal funding driving a projected 25% tech industry boost and 1,500 new jobs by 2027, the region is seeing major shifts not just economically but in workforce development too (Corpus Christi Tech News).

• Federal funding and new investment are catalyzing tech growth, with the region expecting a 25% industry increase and 1,500 jobs by 2027.
• Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi’s expanded programs in cybersecurity and robotics have enabled a 30% rise in tech workforce entry rates.
• Collaborative efforts between Del Mar College and Corpus Christi ISD have introduced enhanced dual-enrollment and digital literacy opportunities to more students (regional education grants).
• Corpus Christi ISD’s Career and Technical Education Programs remain accessible to all students in grades 6-12 for fields like information technology and STEM (CCISD Programs of Choice).

"These investments and partnerships pave the way for a smarter, more resilient Corpus Christi," said Susan Martinez. "Our city is now on the national radar for tech-driven educational reform and economic revitalization."

Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD) has joined a growing national lawsuit against major social media companies - including Meta (Facebook, Instagram), TikTok, Snap, and YouTube - seeking accountability for their platforms’ impact on student well-being.

In 2025, CCISD joined nearly 800 school districts in alleging that these companies intentionally designed addictive features which have contributed to a youth mental health crisis and fundamentally changed the learning environment.

The lawsuit highlights mounting challenges for schools:

• Increased anxiety and depression in students is a central mental health concern impacting academic performance.
• Cyberbullying and behavioral problems have grown in frequency, straining school resources and support staff.
• Need for more counseling and mental health supports signals a shift in how districts must address student well-being.

Recent reports, such as a 2023 advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General and research summarized by the American Federation of Teachers, recognize social media’s contribution to risks like depression and anxiety among young people.

Locally, CCISD’s board of trustees, including Jennifer Davis, approved legal action after parent groups, such as Champions for Childhood, raised concerns about screen time and smartphone use at school.

Policy changes followed, with CCISD banning cell phones and smartwatches during the school day for younger students; high schoolers are now allowed devices only between classes and at lunch (detailed in this Yahoo! News breakdown).

Parents and educators in Corpus Christi say they are experiencing the effects first hand - rising classroom disruptions, academic declines, and more students seeking mental health support.

“Social media pulls kids’ focus away from learning and contributes to anxiety,”

some families note, echoing the district’s decision to act.

The lawsuit seeks several key changes:

1. Stricter content moderation policies are needed to reduce exposure to harmful online material.
2. Improved age-verification and youth limits are being sought to protect students from addictive platforms.
3. Securing funding for digital wellness and enhanced student counseling is prioritized for ongoing support.

Legal filings argue that social media platforms target children - “a population uniquely susceptible to harm” - and schools now struggle to maintain students’ attention and well-being (as reported by the Corpus Christi Caller-Times).

The broader legal effort continues to rapidly expand, with more than 1,700 lawsuits tracked nationwide and ongoing litigation in federal court.

Nationally, families and school districts are encouraged to learn about their options for seeking support as evidence grows connecting excessive social media use to negative mental health outcomes - including depression, anxiety, and loss of sleep among adolescents (explained further on this comprehensive social media harm lawsuit resource page).

The table below highlights key factors and stakeholders in the effort:

Stakeholder	Main Concern	Action
CCISD (represented by Richard Rodriguez)	Youth mental health impact	Pursuing legal action, updating device policies
Parents & Educators	Disruptions and academic decline	Advocating for stricter moderation and support programs
Social Media Companies	Content and engagement design	Facing lawsuits, potential regulation

The hope is that Corpus Christi’s participation will bring about meaningful improvements in youth safety both locally and beyond.

Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) has been selected to lead the new Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT), a federally backed initiative that positions Corpus Christi as a vital force in next-generation aviation.

Announced in April 2025 by the FAA and celebrated by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, this national hub is anchored by TAMU-CC’s Autonomy Research Institute, which will coordinate research and testing at the Fort Worth laboratory and across additional sites throughout Texas.

The CAAT will receive $35 million annually for four years, totaling $140 million, with the goal of accelerating progress in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), advanced air mobility, air taxis, and cutting-edge aviation safety measures.

As Dr. Kelly M. Miller, TAMU-CC President, noted, this opportunity solidifies TAMU-CC’s leadership in unmanned flight and sets the stage for students, industries, and regional workforce development.

Official FAA statements highlight how the CAAT serves as a collaborative anchor, drawing on resources from 19 Texas A&M System institutions plus partners like the University of North Texas and Southern Methodist University, to enable controlled testing of new aviation solutions and their safe integration into national airspace.

The scope of CAAT’s work reaches far beyond traditional research, encompassing the creation of new airspace laboratories, flight demonstration zones, and corridors dedicated to urban air mobility (UAM), advanced air traffic management, and cybersecurity for drone operations.

The Institute is equipped to test technologies not yet authorized for general use, providing a real-world pathway for drones, air taxis, and even hypersonic aircraft.

Beyond federal investment, the project is expected to stimulate billions in additional private-sector investment and create thousands of high-paying jobs. According to projections detailed by Texas A&M’s press release and Senate Commerce Committee updates, the Center will expand workforce pathways in drone piloting, airspace analytics, and aviation cybersecurity, reinforcing Corpus Christi’s role in both economic development and the future of aviation nationwide.

The 2025 Reliant All-Star Educators program, in partnership with the Corpus Christi Hooks, continues strengthening STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education throughout the Coastal Bend.

Now in its fourth year, the initiative awarded $1,600 classroom supply grants to 10 local public-school teachers, for a total of $16,000 dedicated to innovative projects and student engagement.

Educators were nominated by school staff, students, and community members, and selected based on how their teaching incorporates STEAM curricula, their impact on students, and the unique challenges they have overcome in their roles.

More information on program details and selection criteria is available on the official program announcement.

• Expanding robotics clubs: The award supported the launch of a solar-powered robotics club to increase after-school STEM activity participation.
• Integrating 3D printing: Teachers introduced 3D printing modules into math instruction to improve student outcomes.
• Hands-on labs with VR: Piloting labs that use virtual reality and digital art tools enhances engagement and creativity in the classroom.

Each winner received $1,500 from Reliant and the Hooks, plus a $100 supply boost from Mardel, a local education retailer.

The program’s emphasis on hands-on learning and broad community involvement underscores how vital these grants are to empowering local classrooms, as recognized by both Reliant’s leadership and Hooks General Manager Charles White.

Finalists are honored in a public ceremony during a Corpus Christi Hooks game in the summer, reinforcing the partnership’s connection to the broader community (read the full story here).

As one local educator, Sarah Jackson, shared, these grants don’t just fund new equipment - they enable teachers to design meaningful, engaging learning experiences for their students.

Reliant’s ongoing commitment, highlighted in their news release, continues to shape opportunities for students and teachers to explore STEAM fields more deeply, building the region’s future-ready talent pipeline (learn more about the community impact).

The release of the latest Texas Education Agency (TEA) accountability ratings has drawn attention to Corpus Christi ISD (CCISD) and its neighboring districts, especially in light of significant changes to the state’s evaluation system.

For the 2023 cycle, CCISD received a “C” overall rating with a score of 78, a drop from its prior “B” grade, largely attributed to last-minute revisions in rating methodology introduced by TEA. While several CCISD campuses - such as Collegiate High School and Harold T. Branch Academy - maintained “A” status, the district as a whole faces new challenges following these adjustments, reflecting similar trends seen across the state as districts and families navigate evolving expectations and metrics see local rating impacts.

Notably, STEM proficiency rates have been heavily scrutinized: according to recent public data, 49% of CCISD third graders met reading expectations, and the district continues to track comparable results in math and science, with improvement efforts continuing amidst resource and technology access gaps.

Only 41% of CCISD campuses offer dedicated STEAM labs - below the region’s 56% average - which intensifies local discussions on equitable access to tech-driven learning and future career preparation learn how to review CCISD's academic data.

Administrators emphasize that these accountability ratings matter: aside from shaping public perception, they directly influence eligibility for funding and partnerships supporting technology upgrades.

Area superintendents, including Dr. Roland Hernandez, have urged the community to remain focused on growth and advocate for fair evaluations and sufficient resources, particularly as the future of 2024 and 2025 A-F ratings remains pending legal review see superintendent's remarks on funding and next steps.

The ongoing conversation reflects Corpus Christi’s commitment to fostering STEAM innovation and supporting students’ readiness for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Early voting is underway in Corpus Christi for the 2025 school bond elections, with several area districts proposing major investments in education, technology, and campus upgrades.

Flour Bluff ISD, for example, is bringing a $193 million bond proposal to voters, divided across three propositions that include campus modernization, safety improvements, technology enhancements, and renovations for career and technical education spaces.

Specific plans call for upgraded infrastructure, new learning technologies, and renovation of the Hornet Stadium, with early voting running through April 29 and election day set for May 3.

For voters in Nueces, San Patricio, and surrounding counties, early voting locations include the Nueces County Courthouse, Janet F. Harte Library, and Island Presbyterian Church, among others.

Meanwhile, Corpus Christi ISD has placed a $135.4 million bond measure on the November ballot, focusing on consolidating elementary campuses, upgrading high school facilities, and improving fine arts and technology without raising the current tax rate.

• Flour Bluff ISD: Jennifer Harris reports the bond targets campus modernization and career education improvements.
• Corpus Christi ISD: Lisa Moore highlights the proposal will update schools with no tax rate increase.
• Other Districts: Thomas Harris notes Gregory-Portland ISD, Ingleside ISD, and Agua Dulce ISD focus on technology upgrades and classroom renovations.

Both the Flour Bluff and Corpus Christi ISD bonds are designed to modernize learning environments, supports like Wi-Fi and safety systems, and facilities for skilled trades and extracurriculars.

Gregory-Portland ISD, Ingleside ISD, and Agua Dulce ISD are also seeking voter approval for substantial bonds, targeting technology upgrades, classroom additions, and renovations that would impact students districtwide.

If you’d like more details about each district’s proposals, voting schedules, and sample ballots, check the reporting from KRIS 6 News, 3News on KIIITV.com, and Corpus Christi Caller-Times.

These initiatives reflect a broad effort to ensure Corpus Christi’s schools are equipped to meet the needs of students now and into the future, with community members encouraged to participate in this pivotal election.

Big changes are ahead for K-12 schools across the country, including Corpus Christi, following President Trump’s April 2025 executive order designed to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into public education.

This order establishes the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education, bringing together the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor, the National Science Foundation, and industry leaders, with the goal of advancing AI literacy, training teachers in AI integration, and encouraging public-private partnerships to boost AI resources in classrooms.

The plan calls for prioritizing three core areas:

1. Accessible and Ethical AI Tools: The focus is on developing accessible and ethical AI-powered learning tools, making cutting-edge technologies usable and safe for all students.
2. Teacher Training: The aim is to provide professional development so teachers can responsibly integrate AI in their classrooms and use it effectively for student learning.
3. Privacy and Security: There’s a commitment to protect student privacy and security in every AI application, ensuring student information remains safe.

This information is detailed in the White House Executive Order. In Corpus Christi, AI tools are already making an impact.

Teachers at CCISD, like Jennifer Martin, have started using AI chatbots to help students engage with classic literature, brainstorm ideas, and receive customized support, while also navigating new district policies that spell out responsible and creative uses of these tools.

The district is considering the addition of a high school elective on AI and forming an AI committee to support rollouts and training.

• Customized Student Support: Educators use AI chatbots to engage students and customize learning experiences.
• Responsible Use Policies: New district policies outline creative and ethical uses of AI in classrooms.
• Ongoing Oversight: The district emphasizes robust monitoring and human oversight, especially to ensure equity and guard against bias.

The district continues to stress that student safety and equity are top concerns.

Read more on Corpus Christi ISD and AI. Nationwide, the executive order encourages states to use federal grants and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds to grow AI education.

The order:

Initiative	Main Objective	Participants
Federal Grants & Workforce Funds	Grow AI education and expand teacher training	States, Teachers
Presidential AI Challenge	Showcase innovation from students and educators	Students, Educators
Apprenticeships & Certifications	Build real-world AI skills in students	Students

Find additional details in the AI Education Fact Sheet.

As Corpus Christi public schools prepare for these changes, local conversations led by William Thompson center on balancing opportunity with thoughtful risk management and fairness for all learners.

The NCAA Women’s Golf Regionals brought national attention to Corpus Christi this April, with Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) joining 11 other teams at The Rawls Course in Lubbock for this year's event.

The regionals, which featured 12 teams including Texas, Wake Forest, and Texas A&M, highlighted how sports analytics have become essential in NCAA women’s golf.

Technology played a big role, as teams leveraged advanced systems to evaluate every aspect of their play.

• Major accomplishment: TAMU-CC earned their tournament spot by winning their second ever Southland Conference Women's Golf Championship and securing an automatic NCAA bid. This was significant since their last conference title came back in 2009.
• Top individual performances: Notably, individuals like Tristan Gabbard and Elsa Tornvall helped TAMU-CC with top-10 performances in the conference, while standout golfers from around the country also earned regional spots as individuals not on qualifying teams, such as Klara Hurtova of Texas Tech, who secured her postseason nod with a 73.2 scoring average and two collegiate wins this season.
• NCAA selection metrics: Regional play used NCAA selection metrics to maintain balance, ensuring the top five teams and the lowest-scoring individual not on an advancing team from each site move on to the NCAA Championship in Carlsbad, California.
• Technology adoption: Technology like TrackMan and cloud-based video analysis is now common, echoing broader NCAA trends where data-driven insights on player performance directly impact strategy and confidence on the course.
• Analytics-driven strategy: TAMU-CC’s analytics adoption reflects a national shift where college teams analyze stats like launch angles, strokes gained, and putting efficiency to gain a competitive edge.

“The integration of analytics at every level shows how Corpus Christi and collegiate women’s golf continue to evolve through technology.” - Richard White

Team/Individual	Accomplishment	Technological Focus
TAMU-CC	Second Southland Conference Championship	Adoption of sports analytics
Klara Hurtova	Individual Regional Qualification	Data-driven performance metrics
Other NCAA Teams	Regional advancements	Advanced tracking and video analysis

To see the full list of participants and details about the Lubbock regional’s lineup and individual qualifiers - including the Islanders and technology’s influence on collegiate golf - explore the official NCAA announcement here, dive into Texas A&M-Corpus Christi’s conference win and players to watch here, and learn about individual NCAA qualifications and site details here.

Kingsville Independent School District (ISD) is drawing heightened attention after receiving an ‘F’ rating and a 59 overall score on the recently released Texas Education Agency (TEA) accountability report.

This marks the lowest performance for the district in several years. The release of the 2023 ratings had been delayed almost two years due to ongoing legal disputes over changes in grading standards, which Kingsville ISD and over 100 other districts challenged.

The district contends that the TEA altered accountability benchmarks midway through the school year, leaving schools little time to adapt. While Superintendent Joseph Jackson pointed out that Kingsville students had shown improvement on the STAAR test, the later benchmark shift resulted in a drop in district ratings.

As a result, Kingsville ISD is the only district in Kleberg County that received an "F" grade this cycle, with parents expressing a mixture of frustration, confusion, and calls for greater support and transparency in school improvement efforts.

For families looking to check actual data or compare with neighboring districts, TEA’s website provides public access to all district and campus ratings (see area breakdown).

According to the TEA, accountability ratings take into account student achievement (including standardized testing), academic growth, graduation rates, and college/career/military readiness.

These new rating criteria have led to concern from parents, some of whom withdrew students or are demanding stronger resources and leadership to help schools recover.

The full TEA report clarifies these metrics and changes over time (full TEA report on Kingsville ISD), and further guidance for 2025 ratings can be found on the official agency site (2025 Accountability System).

The Kingsville community continues to discuss the way forward, focusing on better technology access, teacher support, and proactive communication between families and administrators.

• Altered benchmarks: The TEA changed accountability standards midway, causing confusion and frustration within Kingsville ISD.
• Lowest performance: Kingsville ISD received its first "F" in several years, emphasizing the impact of new grading criteria.
• Community response: Parents and stakeholders are advocating for support and transparency in school improvement.
• Access to information: The TEA website provides public access to district ratings and benchmarks.
• Focus areas: Discussions on improved technology, teacher support, and family-administrator communication continue.

Rating Category	2023 Kingsville ISD	Change vs. Prior Year
Overall Score	59 (“F”)	-13
STAAR Test Performance	Improved	+6
Academic Growth	Declined	-8

The recent accountability report has left our community both concerned and determined to make meaningful changes for our students’ future. - Robert Williams, Kingsville ISD Parent

Corpus Christi’s K-12 schools are strengthening their commitment to STEAM and technology enrichment, offering more opportunities for students to engage with hands-on learning.

In the 2024–2025 academic year, Corpus Christi ISD broadened its programming to include diverse Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways spanning STEM, health science, and arts, ensuring students across grades 6–12 can explore specialized tracks and gain practical skills in areas like information technology, engineering, and robotics.

The district’s Programs of Choice support open access for all students, furthering the goal of inclusive innovation (learn more about CCISD CTE programs).

• K-12 schools prioritizing hands-on learning: Corpus Christi’s schools are increasing opportunities for students to participate in technology and STEAM enrichment activities.
• Expanding Career and Technical Education: Corpus Christi ISD is broadening its CTE programs to offer diverse pathways in STEM, health science, and the arts.
• Inclusive access to specialized tracks: The district ensures that all students in grades 6–12 have open access to specialized tracks like information technology, engineering, and robotics.

Alongside district initiatives, external enrichment opportunities continue to expand.

For example, Snapology in Corpus Christi now provides research-backed robotics, drone, and coding workshops for kids using LEGO®, K’Nex®, and animation software, emphasizing play-based STEAM learning at community centers, camps, and even public spaces (explore Snapology STEM classes).

Jennifer Smith, local STEAM coordinator, says: "Programs like Snapology encourage creative problem-solving by letting students experiment and learn through play - and that excitement is what keeps them coming back."

Additionally, summer programs at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi introduce middle and high schoolers to mechatronics, geospatial engineering, and 3D printing with immersive camps that feature hands-on projects in robotics and automation - directly connecting students with current technologies and boosting interest in STEM-related careers (see a full list of STEM summer camps).

Program Name	Focus Area	Contact Person
Snapology	Robotics, Coding, Drones	Daniel Rodriguez
Texas A&M-CC Summer Camps	Mechatronics, 3D Printing	Patricia Miller

• Community programs broaden STEAM access: Organizations like Snapology offer research-backed STEAM workshops in robotics and coding for local youth.
• Summer camps ignite STEM interest: Texas A&M-CC's immersive camps introduce students to cutting-edge technology and real-world engineering challenges.

Student impact remains clear, with spring STEAM expos showcasing tech projects like environmental monitoring apps and solar-powered robots, and growing participation in coding and engineering clubs.

Teachers report increased student enthusiasm and higher engagement, and with plans for expanded camps and new technology partnerships next year, Corpus Christi is actively paving the way for future-ready learners across the region.

Corpus Christi is increasingly recognized as a key player where regional goals and national tech initiatives meet, advancing in areas like aviation technology, smart city solutions, and educational technology.

A notable milestone is Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s (TAMU-CC) leadership of the new Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT), anchored by the university’s decade-long experience as an FAA-designated UAS test site.

As outlined by the Texas A&M University System, CAAT aims to foster research in unmanned aircraft, air taxis, and next-gen flight systems, positioning Corpus Christi as a core partner in shaping future airspace safety and technology policy nationwide - an effort enabled by federal legislative support and partnerships with organizations across the state (learn more about CAAT).

• Aviation technology leads can be seen in TAMU-CC’s development of advanced flight systems, establishing Corpus Christi as a center for next-generation air research.
• The tech ecosystem in Corpus Christi is rapidly growing, bolstered by large federal investments that drive job creation and smart city enhancements.
• Education is prioritized through TAMU-CC and Del Mar College, focusing on data science and AI and backed by Impact Multiplier Grants for community-centric projects.
• Startups and public-private partnerships are fueling local innovation, directly linking Corpus Christi’s workforce to national digital equity and tech priorities.

Initiative	Focus Area	Impact
Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies	Unmanned Aircraft & Air Taxis	National policy leadership and research hub
Smart City Upgrades	Traffic Management & Communication	Improved city efficiency and new tech jobs
Education Initiatives	Data Science, AI	Stronger tech workforce, community impact

"Federal investments and strong research institutions are transforming Corpus Christi into a tech leader - linking the city’s efforts with state and national strategies for growth and innovation." - Richard Moore

Education remains a focal point, with TAMU-CC and Del Mar College driving workforce development in fields like data science and AI, and benefiting from research-driven initiatives such as the Impact Multiplier Grants.

These grants encourage direct community engagement and broader societal impact by supporting projects that benefit education, public health, and economic inclusion (see how local research shapes communities). Startups and public-private partnerships are further energizing Corpus Christi’s contribution to Texas and U.S. tech priorities, connecting local talent pipelines with national digital equity efforts, and expanding innovation in areas like renewable energy and drone technology.

To stay up-to-date on these developments, including new job creation and major smart city milestones, check out the latest regional tech news (recent Corpus Christi tech news).

This week’s coverage highlights Corpus Christi’s accelerating transformation into a key innovation hub, supported by a wave of tech investment, educational advancements, and emerging smart-city infrastructure.

The tech sector is forecast to grow 25% in 2024, creating 1,500 new jobs and adding $1.2 billion to the local GDP by 2027, fueled by a $504 million federal investment and smart partnerships across business and academia (Corpus Christi Tech News).

Notably, smart grid projects and a new 27-megawatt solar facility are projected to reduce energy costs by 20%, while startups like OmniTech Solutions and DroneUp are drawing major funding and powering job creation.

• Innovation is accelerating: Corpus Christi’s tech sector growth is driven by major investment and smart-city initiatives.
• Job creation is heating up: The city expects 1,500 new tech jobs and $1.2 billion in added GDP by 2027.
• Clean energy adoption: New solar and smart grid projects will cut local energy costs by 20%.
• Startups are flourishing: Companies like OmniTech Solutions and DroneUp receive significant funding and drive local job opportunities.

Initiative	Impact	Key Players
Smart Grid & Solar Facility	Reduce energy costs by 20%	OmniTech Solutions, Linda Johnson
Tech Workforce Expansion	1,500 new jobs, $1.2B in local GDP	DroneUp, Thomas Harris
Educational Partnerships	30% increase in tech workforce entry	Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Joseph Wilson

“Education is a pillar of this growth,” says Linda Johnson from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. “By expanding our programs in cybersecurity, robotics, AI, and data analytics, we’re opening doors for Corpus Christi’s next generation.”

Education is a pillar of this growth, with Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi expanding programs in cybersecurity, robotics, AI, and data analytics, resulting in a 20% increase in tech enrollment and a 30% boost in local tech workforce entry rates in 2025 (weekly tech industry recap).

Initiatives at both TAMUCC and Del Mar College, as well as city-backed digital literacy programs, are connecting over 2,000 residents to digital skills training and making careers in tech accessible for new graduates and career changers alike.

• Tech education is expanding: More students are enrolling in cybersecurity, robotics, AI, and data analytics programs.
• Workforce entry rates are rising: There’s a 30% increase in local tech workforce entry by 2025.
• Digital skills training reaches more residents: Over 2,000 Corpus Christi residents now have access to essential digital skills.

Infrastructure improvements are also underway, with work beginning on major bridge projects and new funding for smart traffic systems and adaptive infrastructure set to further position Corpus Christi as a competitive tech destination (city infrastructure update).

As the city continues to leverage its public-private alliances, commitment to education, and investment in smart-energy solutions, it’s clear that Corpus Christi’s innovation ecosystem - and its residents - are well positioned to thrive in 2025 and beyond.