Texas Robotics Academic Conference
Texas Robotics Academic Conference (TRAC)
Building Tomorrow’s Texas Workforce Through STEM Innovation
Empowering Texas Educators to Inspire the Next Generation of Innovators in Robotics and STEM – Preparing Students for High-Demand Texas Careers in Technology, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Beyond.
This two-day professional development conference is designed specifically for Texas K-12 teachers, STEM coordinators, administrators, and current or potential robotics/drone coaches. Join us to discover practical ways to integrate robotics and drones into your classrooms, fostering essential 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, critical thinking, computational thinking, and perseverance—all aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards.
Attendees will explore free, TEKS-aligned curricula from leading providers like the VEX Robotics & Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation, enabling schools to make deliberate, cost-effective decisions about STEM funding and program implementation. The event emphasizes long-term sustainability through information on REC Foundation grants and other funding opportunities to support robotics teams, teacher training, equipment, and ongoing participation—helping educators build programs that evolve with Texas educational standards and workforce demands.
Key Features Include:
- Inspiring keynote speakers from industry, highlighting the role of robotics in Texas’ thriving STEM economy and real-world career pathways.
- Panel discussions featuring professionals from technology, engineering, aerospace, automation, and related fields, bridging classroom learning to high-demand jobs.
- Networking opportunities for educators and administrators to connect, share best practices, and explore district-wide implementation strategies.
- Hands-on workshops focused on building, programming, and teaching with robotics / drone platforms (including VEX IQ for elementary/middle school, VEX VRC for middle / high school, and RECF Aerial Drone resources for providing practical experience to take back to your classroom.
- Grant and resource sessions detailing free/low-cost tools, REC Foundation support, Texas Workforce Commission opportunities, internships, apprenticeships, and strategies for program sustainability.
Priority registration is given to educators and schools in the Corpus Christi metro area, ensuring local impact while welcoming participants from across Texas.
This conference is more than professional development—it’s a call to action for Texas educators to lead the charge in preparing students for the future workforce. By equipping you with tools, knowledge, and connections, we’ll collectively strengthen Texas’ STEM pipeline and drive innovation statewide.
Space is limited—register early to secure your spot!
We look forward to seeing you at the Hilliard Center in beautiful Corpus Christi—let’s build tomorrow’s innovators together!
Workshops On
Keynote Speaker
Julian Alvarez
Former Texas Workforce Commissioner for Labor
Attendee
for potential coaches
$300
- Workshop Session
- Keynote Speaker Sessions
- Network Opportunities
- Grant Information
Schedule
This workshop is part of the annual Buc Days event in Corpus Christi, Texas. This event brings in more than 100,000 visitors and showcases live music, rodeos, STEAM Expo and more. Great opportunity to visit the community, learn about robotics / drones and enjoy the festivities. Learn more: Buc Days website
Hilliard Center
1901 Shoreline Dr
Corpus Christi, Texas
May 1 – 2, 2026
Texas Robotics Academic Conference (TRAC)
Empowering Texas Educators to Inspire the Next Generation of Innovators in Robotics and STEM – Preparing Students for High-Demand Texas Careers in Technology, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Beyond.
This two-day professional development conference is designed specifically for Texas K-12 teachers, STEM coordinators, administrators, and current or potential robotics/drone coaches. Join us to discover practical ways to integrate robotics and drones into your classrooms, fostering essential 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, critical thinking, computational thinking, and perseverance—all aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards.
Attendees will explore free, TEKS-aligned curricula from leading providers like the VEX Robotics & Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation, enabling schools to make deliberate, cost-effective decisions about STEM funding and program implementation. The event emphasizes long-term sustainability through information on REC Foundation grants and other funding opportunities to support robotics teams, teacher training, equipment, and ongoing participation—helping educators build programs that evolve with Texas educational standards and workforce demands.
Key Features Include:
- Inspiring keynote speakers from industry, highlighting the role of robotics in Texas’ thriving STEM economy and real-world career pathways.
- Panel discussions featuring professionals from technology, engineering, aerospace, automation, and related fields, bridging classroom learning to high-demand jobs.
- Networking opportunities for educators and administrators to connect, share best practices, and explore district-wide implementation strategies.
- Hands-on workshops focused on building, programming, and teaching with robotics / drone platforms (including VEX IQ for elementary/middle school, VEX VRC for middle / high school, and RECF Aerial Drone resources for providing practical experience to take back to your classroom.
- Grant and resource sessions detailing free/low-cost tools, REC Foundation support, Texas Workforce Commission opportunities, internships, apprenticeships, and strategies for program sustainability.
Priority registration is given to educators and schools in the Corpus Christi metro area, ensuring local impact while welcoming participants from across Texas.
This conference is more than professional development—it’s a call to action for Texas educators to lead the charge in preparing students for the future workforce. By equipping you with tools, knowledge, and connections, we’ll collectively strengthen Texas’ STEM pipeline and drive innovation statewide.
Space is limited—register early to secure your spot!
We look forward to seeing you at the Hilliard Center in beautiful Corpus Christi—let’s build tomorrow’s innovators together!
Workshops On
Keynote Speaker
Julian Alvarez
Former Texas Workforce Commissioner for Labor
Attendee
for potential coaches
- Workshop Session
- Keynote Speaker Sessions
- Network Opportunities
- Grant Information
Schedule
This workshop is part of the annual Buc Days event in Corpus Christi, Texas. This event brings in more than 100,000 visitors and showcases live music, rodeos, STEAM Expo and more. Great opportunity to visit the community, learn about robotics / drones and enjoy the festivities. Learn more: Buc Days website
Hilliard Center
1901 Shoreline Dr
Corpus Christi, Texas
May 1 – 2, 2026