Local Roots, Lasting Impact: CORTEC Gives Back Through Education

Every child deserves an education that shapes both their minds and character. For many families, that means choosing a private school where academics and values are closely intertwined—but the cost can put that opportunity out of reach. Arete Scholars helps bridge the gap by providing tuition assistance that opens doors for underserved and marginalized students to access schools where they can thrive. 

One of Arete’s key supporters is CORTEC, a Louisiana-based company with deep local roots and a passion for giving back. Headquartered in Houma, CORTEC has built a successful business over the past 21 years by investing in people—a commitment that extends beyond its workforce to the broader community. 

For the family partnership that owns and operates CORTEC, the decision to support Arete Scholars came down to two questions: Does this issue impact our local community? And can CORTEC make a difference? 

When it comes to providing a quality education for economically disadvantaged children in Louisiana, the answer to both questions is a resounding yes. 

“We see the people in Louisiana much as we see the state—rich in resources, vibrant in culture, resilient in overcoming challenges, warm and accommodating towards others, and possessing a positive outlook on life,” says Stephen Corte, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Our homegrown talent pool has cultivated design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities that rival any top-tier valve manufacturer globally. Faith and family values are a cornerstone of our communities and our company.” 

CORTEC is a global leader in valve and automation solutions, specializing in energy industry applications. It employs more than 215 people and operates out of two facilities in South Louisiana, comprising over 200,000 sq. ft. of state-of-the-art manufacturing space. 

The people and culture of Louisiana have played a central role in CORTEC’s growth and success over the past two decades. As CORTEC’s leadership understands, a business is only as strong as the people who make it run. From engineers designing innovative equipment to factory teams in Houma and Port Allen who bring those innovations to life and the sales and service professionals who take them to market, CORTEC’s success is a testament to its people. Without them, the company wouldn’t be what it is today. 

That’s why CORTEC is dedicated to investing in the communities that have helped shape its success. 

"There is nothing easy about achieving success," says Corte. "Success takes hard work and dedication, but it also hinges on good timing, opportunity, and the support of employees, customers, vendors, and the communities where we operate. As stewards of this organization, we feel a moral responsibility to provide opportunity and enrichment to the people and places connected to our business." 

Members of the Arete team meet with Justin Corte of CORTEC and faculty of Holy Trinity Academy

One way that CORTEC lives out that commitment is by tackling educational inequality through its partnership with Arete Scholars. 

"We believe education and values are the foundation of a successful life," he adds. "Louisiana has many quality schools. But historically, our state has struggled in national student performance and development rankings. We want to help families with limited options find the best educational environment for their children." 

Through its support of Arete Scholars, CORTEC is making that vision a reality. 

Arete Scholars provides need-based K-12 scholarships that empower low-income families to choose high-quality private schools. By partnering with donors, schools, and parents, Arete helps underserved children access safe, supportive, and effective academic environments where they can learn and grow. 

Many children from under-resourced backgrounds never get the chance to realize their talents or dreams. However, since 2013, Arete Louisiana has awarded nearly 7,500 scholarships worth more than $32 million, each an opportunity to empower these students to reach their greatest, God-given potential. This fall, Arete plans to award a record 2,000 Louisiana scholarships for the 2025-26 school year. 

Over the past 12 years, Arete scholars have found safety in new school environments, excelled in smaller class sizes, taken on rigorous academic challenges, and thrived in arts and athletics programs. In urban, rural, and suburban settings across the state, a vibrant and diverse community of students is discovering how to dream big and pursue meaningful goals. For the CORTEC team, this impact is deeply meaningful. 

“We are grateful to witness the direct connection between our support and the number of Louisiana children gaining access to new opportunities,” says Corte. “We pray this opens pathways to a happy and fulfilling life for each of them.” 

One of the easiest and most impactful ways companies like CORTEC can support students is by participating in the Louisiana Tuition Donation Credit Program (TDC). Through this state initiative, Arete Scholars turns tax credit donations into life-changing scholarships for children in need. 

The process is simple: In exchange for a donation, the State of Louisiana provides a 95% tax credit, meaning it costs just five cents to give a dollar. Any business or individual with a Louisiana income tax liability is eligible. There’s no minimum or maximum required, and donations are accepted year-round. Tax credits are earned in the year the donation is made and are nonrefundable. 

Corte describes the experience as seamless. “Participation has been near effortless,” he says. “The Arete team has guided us with outstanding professionalism and responded to every question and requirement.” 

“We strongly encourage any Louisiana taxpayer to consider this opportunity,” he adds. “There is no greater resource for our state than developing and preserving quality education for its youth. With minimal effort, you can have a direct and meaningful impact on our state’s youth. It’s an opportunity that’s almost too good to be true.” 

CORTEC’s commitment is already making a significant difference. 

"We appreciate CORTEC’s dedication to educational equality in Louisiana, underscored by their commitment to fund over 250 scholarships through our tax credit donation program over two 

years," says Arthur Dupré, president of Arete Scholars. "We are deeply grateful for their support, which helps us fulfill our mission of opening doors to a brighter future for underserved and marginalized children across the Bayou State." 

Reflecting on CORTEC’s partnership with Arete Scholars, Corte offers this closing thought: 

“We want to thank Arete for providing such a unique and rewarding program, and we commend the State of Louisiana for implementing it in a way that directly impacts children’s lives. We’re hopeful for a brighter future for our state—and we’re proud to play a small part in helping Louisiana’s children reach it.” 

Join Arete Scholars in Making a Difference 

If CORTEC’s story has inspired you, consider partnering with Arete Scholars to help more children receive the education they deserve. Your generosity can open doors, change lives, and help shape a brighter future for Louisiana’s children. 

To learn more about how you can support Arete Scholars, visit https://www.aretescholars.org/supporters/louisiana-tax-credits today.