HOUSTON, TX — Texas City Independent School District (TCISD) opened the doors to the district’s innovative new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and Robotics Center, a learning facility serving students in grades K-12. Designed and built by Pfluger Architects and Bartlett Cocke, this project transformed an unused storage building into a lively and engaging space for students to immerse themselves in STEM subjects and host robotics competitions. A partnership with Marathon Petroleum Corporation helped the district offset the cost of equipping the facility, creating a bridge between career and technical education and jobs in the industry.

With this new facility dedicated to enhancing STEM education, Texas City ISD has an immersive center for innovation and learning with robotics at its core, the first of its kind in the district. Accessible to all students in the district, the building includes an open, flexible arena to host robotics competitions and a control room for students to manage cameras and audio during tournaments. The facility also includes a fabrication lab for metal and woodworking, classrooms for advanced engineering courses, and a maker space for elementary students to explore STEM subjects. Large bay windows and overhead and sliding doors flood the spaces with natural light and create an inviting, open atmosphere. Each design element and material used throughout the space is crafted to support students’ curiosity and growth.

"Working with Texas City ISD to bring the STEM Center to life has been a remarkable journey,” said Raleigh Sullivan, Managing Principal of Pfluger's Houston office. “Their vision and leadership significantly contributed to this project's success. We're proud to have contributed to a space where so much learning and discovery will unfold."

Marathon Petroleum Corporation, a local industry partner, contributed $1 million to the project, which was paid for by a portion of Texas City’s $158.6 million 2022 bond package. An employer for STEM careers, Marathon actively participated in shaping the building and curriculum to enhance robotics education and programming and provide opportunities for students to explore potential career fields.

"This state-of-the-art facility, the first achievement from the 2022 bond referendum, is the result of collaborative efforts, dedication, and the unwavering support of our community," TCISD Superintendent Dr. Melissa Duarte said. "I want to thank the architects at Pfluger and the team at Bartlett-Cocke for bringing this dream to life. Together, we have created an environment that will not only satisfy the curiosity of our students but will also serve as a catalyst for stimulating creativity and advancing critical thinking skills."

STEM is seen by many as “vocational training for the future,” preparing students for success in technical careers without needing a college degree. For young people in the Houston suburb of Texas City, establishing these career pathways is vital to their future, and creating a pipeline of knowledgeable, skilled workers is equally vital for the regional businesses and economy.

This project transformed an unused storage building into a lively and engaging space for students to immerse themselves in STEM subjects and host robotics competitions. The facility has already hosted several competitions for the district’s robotics team and will host robotics camps for pre-K through 6th grade students this summer to expose young people to STEM careers.