INGLESIDE — The Port of Corpus Christi is investing $460,000 into the Port Industries & Maritime Academy at Ingleside High School to connect local students with maritime and industrial careers.
Port of Corpus Christi Community Relations Manager Amy Polasek and Port Commissioner Wes Hoskins visited the district on Oct. 28 to present a check to Ingleside ISD leaders for the aforementioned amount.
District leaders said students are already surrounded by local industry, and the partnership will give them a path to participate directly in the Coastal Bend’s industrial economy.
The funding will support the creation and expansion of career and technical education programs focused on maritime and port industries, according to the district. The money will also go toward instructional equipment, hands-on learning, field experiences, industry engagement and instructor training.
Polasek said the Port approached Ingleside ISD approximately a year ago to explore creating the academy after funding became available through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports program for education and workforce initiatives. The Port will also provide matching funds, Polasek said.
“We took some time to develop that grant…. Then we looked around at different districts and decided that Ingleside ISD was a good fit,” Polasek said.
While the Port will serve as a collaborative partner, Polasek said Ingleside ISD will guide decisions regarding the curriculum and programs offered. District officials stated aligning classroom work with local workforce needs will create a steady pipeline of skilled workers who can remain in the area for employment.
Ingleside ISD Superintendent Scott Kilgore addressed students during the presentation, calling the academy a one-of-a-kind program in the Coastal Bend and South Texas and urging them to pursue the opportunity.
“This partnership allows us to connect what students learn in the classroom with the opportunities available right here in our region,” Kilgore said in a news release. “We want our students to graduate with the skills, credentials and real-world experiences they need to build successful futures, and this academy will help make those opportunities possible. The academy stands out as the only program of its kind in San Patricio County, positioning Ingleside ISD as a regional leader in career and technical education.”
Port officials emphasized regional workforce development as a key priority for the investment.
“The Port of Corpus Christi is proud to partner with Ingleside ISD through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Ports Program to support the Port Industries & Maritime Academy,” Port of Corpus Christi CEO Kent Britton said. “As the Global Gateway for Energy and Innovation, our Port is committed to investing in regional workforce development to prepare our talent pipeline at home for the jobs of tomorrow.”