Lytle ISD Opens Innovative STEM Center With Support From Rowan and Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation
A new chapter in education began for students in Lytle Independent School District with the grand opening of a state-of-the-art STEM Center on January 13, 2026. The vibrant event—complete with streamers and a ribbon-cutting ceremony—marked a moment of pride and progress for the small but growing community just southwest of San Antonio.
Located within the Lytle Elementary School building, the new STEM Center is the result of a powerful public-private partnership between Rowan Digital Infrastructure, the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, and Lytle ISD. The goal? To give local students—affectionately known as Pirates—a place to dream bigger, experiment boldly, and prepare for the future with skills in science, technology, engineering, and math.
“This new STEM Center builds on Lytle ISD’s investment in education technology and will inspire curiosity and creativity in our students, providing them with invaluable opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a hands-on environment,” said Dr. Dustin Breithaupt, Superintendent of Lytle ISD. “We are deeply grateful for the support and vision of Rowan and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation.”
The center was officially unveiled before an enthusiastic crowd that included local leaders such as Mayor Ruben Gonzalez, Medina County Precinct 2 Commissioner Larry Sittre, and representatives from the partnering organizations. It was a moment that symbolized far more than a building opening—it signaled a renewed commitment to educational equity and excellence in South Texas.
After the ribbon was cut, Lytle ISD fifth graders eagerly demonstrated the impact of the new space. Students showcased their budding talents in coding, robotics, 3D printing, and electronic circuitry—areas often out of reach for small-town school districts. But with this new facility, Lytle students now have access to the kind of advanced learning opportunities more often found in larger urban districts.
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The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, named after the legendary baseball figure, has now established more than 800 STEM Centers across the country. Their mission is clear: inspire and educate youth through hands-on engagement and mentorship. For communities like Lytle, the impact is personal and profound.
Meanwhile, Rowan Digital Infrastructure is also making waves in the area. The company is behind the large-scale Project Cinco data center campus currently under development near Lytle, and its investment in local students is a reflection of a long-term commitment to the community.
“We hope to empower students with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world,” said Tim Alborg, Director of Government and Community Affairs at Rowan.
The opening of the STEM Center is already generating excitement among parents, educators, and students alike—and is being celebrated across Lytle and neighboring communities as a milestone moment in rural education advancement.
As more Texas schools and towns look to invest in future-ready learning, the success of this collaboration in Lytle is likely to become a model for how community partnerships can bridge educational gaps and spark innovation—one student, one classroom, and one future at a time.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.