Education and Government Leaders Explore Quantum Workforce Opportunities

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) is seeking ways to prepare students for careers in quantum following a visit by college and regional leaders to the nation’s first community college quantum technician program.

In February, CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson and several college leaders were joined by representatives from Charles and Calvert Counties, the University System of Maryland, and the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), to attend a forum exploring how quantum and other advanced technology can reinforce the power of academic and economic partnerships. Organized by the Alliance for Innovation and Transformation (AFIT), the AFIT 2026: CEO Forum and Reps Meeting was hosted by Central New Mexico (CNM) Community College, the first community college in the country with a Quantum Learning Lab and quantum technician program.

Quantum science, which studies how matter and energy behave at atomic and subatomic levels, is being used to build powerful new technology like quantum computers. Quantum technicians are trained to build and operate these systems. 

Dr. Wilson reflected on how regional collaboration is instrumental in staying ahead of workforce trends, changing environments, and building sustainable workforce pipelines.

“Our regional partners play a vital role in ensuring students are prepared for emerging industries and graduate with strong career opportunities,” Dr. Wilson said. “Learning from other industry and academic leaders and seeing their strategic collaboration firsthand is incredibly valuable in developing approaches that can succeed in Southern Maryland.”

AFIT is a community of innovators connecting higher education and industry leaders to improve educational opportunities. This collaboration allows institutions to better understand and prepare students to meet evolving workforce needs.

The event included networking, listening sessions, and field trips, connecting academic and economic leaders with industry partners. Discussions focused on aligning curriculum with evolving workforce needs, redesigning academic and economic strategies in response to advancing technology, and strengthening collaboration to support long-term success. The field trips invited attendees to tour labs of several leading businesses in the quantum industry, as well as the CNM Quantum Learning Lab, offering a look at how institutions and employers are preparing the next generation of workers.

Paul Ruppert, Charles County Senior Commercial Development Manager, echoed the importance of aligning educational and economic strategies for a growing, innovative workforce.

“The AFIT Forum provided valuable insight into the growing importance of quantum technologies,” Ruppert said. “Working with regional partners like the College of Southern Maryland enables Charles County to strengthen its workforce pipeline and create new opportunities for local businesses.”

Maryland Governor Wes Moore is focused on expanding the state’s information technology workforce and preparing workers to fill critical positions in what he calls lighthouse sectors, including AI, cybersecurity, and quantum.

In 2025, Gov. Moore announced the Capital of Quantum initiative, a five-year, $1 billion public-private investment partnership to strengthen academic and workforce training, and infrastructure for the state’s growing quantum footprint. Last month, he also announced a $4 million investment to support internship and training opportunities for AI and cyber workers.

Dr. Wilson highlighted the value of providing students the opportunity to be a part of emerging industries, saying, “At CSM we are always looking for ways to stay at the forefront of innovation,” she said. “As technology like AI and quantum become more integrated into the workforce, identifying ways to bring these advancements to CSM helps the college remain resilient and responsive to the region’s needs.”

Looking ahead, CSM is hosting a Southern Maryland Regional Quantum Forum on May 20 to explore this emerging technology and its impact on the workforce today and into the future. Regional industry, academic, and elected leaders are invited to participate in panel discussions and break out sessions aimed at demystifying what quantum is, why it’s important, and its impact on workforce needs.

More information on how to register for the event visit:
https://www.csmd.edu/calendar/2026/05/quantum-forum.html

Those in attendance at the conference include:

Dr. Bernice Brezina, Dean of the School of STEM and Professional Studies; Valarie Burks, Vice President of Information Technology; Damon Gorham, Chief Information Officer of Information Technology; Bridget Brown, Associate Vice President of Workforce Innovation and Strategic Partnerships; Kelly Winters, Executive Director of Workforce Development; Karen Smith-Hupp, Assistant Vice President of Government Relations; Tora Wright, Director of Grant Development; Ellen Flowers-Fields, Vice President of Continuing Education and Workforce Development; Emily Dow, Assistant Secretary of MHEC; Michele Masucci, Vice Chancellor of University System of Maryland; Paul Ruppert, Charles County Senior Commercial Development Manager; and Kathy MacAdams, Calvert County Business Retention Specialist.