RGV STEM CENTER
RGV STEM CENTER
RGV STEM Center is dedicated to innovating, inspiring, and growing the next generation of engineers in the Rio Grande Valley by providing meaningful, hands-on engineering experiences. Through collaboration with schools, industry partners, and the community, we empower students and educators to develop the technical skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities needed to succeed in engineering and technology careers.
Our Mission
To innovate, inspire, and grow engineering education opportunities that prepare Rio Grande Valley students to become future engineers and problem-solvers.
Our Vision
Our vision is a thriving Rio Grande Valley where every student has access to high-quality engineering education, is inspired to pursue STEM pathways, and graduates prepared to lead, innovate, and contribute to a technologically advanced workforce and community.
Our Motto
Innovate • Inspire • Grow
Engineering the Future of the Rio Grande Valley
Meet the Team
Claudia E. Cortez
Founder & Owner
Claudia Cortez is the Founder and Owner of RGV STEM CENTER and a professional engineer with over 17 years of experience in STEM and engineering education. As a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Engineering instructor in Brownsville Independent School District, she has dedicated her career to inspiring the next generation of engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers.
A Limitless Space Institute Education Ambassador and Space Foundation Liaison, Claudia brings extensive experience in aerospace, engineering design, robotics, and project-based learning. Under her leadership, students have successfully competed in prestigious programs and competitions including NASA HUNCH, the Technology Student Association (TSA), and VEX Robotics, earning recognition at regional, state, and national levels.
Claudia’s dedication to excellence in STEM education has been recognized through numerous prestigious honors, including the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Secondary Leadership Award, the 2026 Brownsville Rotary Teacher of the Year Award, the 2026 Zonta Woman of the Year in STEM – Amelia Earhart Award, the 2025 Brownsville ISD Teacher of the Year distinction, and recognition as a Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) Exemplary Teacher. These achievements reflect her passion for inspiring students, advancing engineering education, and creating transformative opportunities in STEM.
Through RGV STEM CENTER, Claudia’s mission is to innovate, inspire, and grow engineering education opportunities throughout the Rio Grande Valley by providing students, educators, and communities with meaningful STEM experiences that build the skills necessary for future careers in engineering, technology, and the space industry.