IBM Establishes First Quantum Education and Research Initiative for Historically Black Colleges and Universities
IBM has launched its first Quantum education and research initiative for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), with a focus on fostering a diverse quantum workforce. The initiative, titled the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center, will partner with Howard University and 12 other HBCUs, providing access to quantum computers and promoting education programs. Additionally, IBM is investing $100M in technology and skills development through the IBM Skills Academy. This program aims to equip students in STEM fields with essential skills in quantum computing, AI, and more.
- Launch of the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center to promote quantum computing education.
- Investment of $100M in HBCUs to enhance technology and skills development.
- Collaboration with multiple prestigious HBCUs, increasing access to quantum technology.
- None.
ARMONK, N.Y., Sept. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, IBM (NYSE: IBM) is announcing its first IBM Quantum education and research initiative for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), aimed at driving a diverse and inclusive quantum workforce. Led by Howard University and 12 additional HBCUs, the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center will offer access to its quantum computers, as well as collaboration on academic, education, and community outreach programs.
In addition, as part of the company's continued efforts around diversity and inclusion, IBM will make a
"We believe that in order to expand opportunity for diverse populations, we need a diverse talent pipeline of the next generation of tech leaders from HBCUs. Diversity and inclusion is what fuels innovation and students from HBCUs will be positioned to play a significant part of what will drive innovations for the future like quantum computing, cloud and artificial intelligence," said Carla Grant Pickens, Chief Global Diversity & Inclusion Officer, IBM.
Driving Diversity and Inclusion in Quantum Computing
The IBM-HBCU Quantum Center is a multi-year investment designed to prepare and develop talent at HBCUs from all STEM disciplines for the quantum future. It will emphasize the power of community and focus on developing students through support and funding for research opportunities, curriculum development, workforce advocacy, and special projects.
"Diversity is a source of competitive advantage, essential to create a thriving quantum industry," said Dario Gil, Director of IBM Research. "We could not be more excited about partnering with our HBCU colleagues to help educate and empower the first generation of quantum computing native students and researchers."
The 13 HBCUs intending to participate in the Quantum Center were prioritized based on their research and education focus in physics, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and other STEM fields. They include: Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, Coppin State University, Hampton University, Howard University, Morehouse College, Morgan State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Southern University, Texas Southern University, University of the Virgin Islands, Virginia Union University, and Xavier University of Louisiana.
"Howard University has prioritized our efforts to support our students' pathway to STEM fields for many years with exciting results as we witness more and more graduates becoming researchers, scientists and engineers with renown national companies. Our faculty and students look forward to collaborating with our peer institutions through the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center. We're excited to share best practices and work together to prepare students to participate in a quantum-ready workforce," said President Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA.
For more about the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center, read HBCU Center Driving Diversity and Inclusion in Quantum Computing.
Investing in Under-Represented Talent to Drive Innovation
As part of the Skills Academy Academic Initiative in Global University Programs, a multi-year program, IBM is donating more than
The HBCUs who are part of the Skills Academy Academic Initiative include: Clark Atlanta University, Fayetteville State University, Grambling State University, Hampton University, Howard University, Johnson C. Smith University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, Southern University System, Stillman College, Virginia State and West Virginia State University.
The response to combating systemic racism in the US must be timely, strategic and more than a statement of support. The response needs to be tangible action. IBM's investment in HBCUs is part of the company's efforts around social justice and racial equality by creating equitable, innovative experiences for HBCU students to acquire the necessary skills to unlock economic opportunity and prosperity.
To learn more about IBM's 100 years of work on diversity, inclusion and equality in the workplace, visit https://www.ibm.com/employment/inclusion/
Brandi Boatner
Digital Experience Manager
IBM CHQ, Communications
1-914-765-2358
bboatner@us.ibm.com
Chris Nay
External Communications
IBM Research
cnay@us.ibm.com
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