Howard University to Lead IBM’s First Quantum Education and Research Initiative for Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Dear Howard University Community,
 
I have some very exciting news to share regarding Howard University’s leadership on a new partnership with IBM. Today, we are announcing the first IBM Quantum education and research initiative for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), aimed at driving a diverse and inclusive quantum workforce. The IBM-HBCU Quantum Center will offer access to its quantum computers, as well as collaboration on academic, education, and community outreach programs. Howard will be leading this new venture along with 12 additional HBCUs.
 
In addition, as part of the company's continued efforts around diversity and inclusion, IBM will make a multi-year $100M investment in technology, assets, resources and skills development through partnerships with additional HBCUs through the IBM Skills Academy Academic Initiative.
 
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. 
 
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. In addition to Howard, the group includes: Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, Coppin State University, Hampton University, Morehouse College, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T, Southern University, Texas Southern University, University of the Virgin Islands, Virginia Union University, and Xavier University of Louisiana. 
 
This latest partnership aligns with Howard’s ongoing efforts to support student pathways to STEM fields. We have already witnessed exciting results as more of our graduates are becoming researchers, scientists and engineers with renown national companies. I know our community is energized about the prospect of collaborating with our peer institutions through the center and to enhance our students’ ability to participate in a quantum-ready workforce.
 
As part of the Skills Academy Academic Initiative in Global University Programs, IBM is donating more than $100M in assets, including university guest lectures, curriculum content, digital badges, software and faculty training to select HBCUs by the end of 2020. The IBM Skills Academy is a comprehensive, integrated program designed to create a foundation of diverse and high demand skill sets that directly correlate to what students will need in the workplace. The learning tracks address topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain, design thinking and quantum computing.
 
The HBCUs who are part of the Skills Academy Academic  Initiative include: Central State University, Clark Atlanta University, Fayetteville State University, Grambling State University, Hampton University, Howard University, Johnson C. Smith University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T, Southern University System, Stillman College, Virginia State and West Virginia State University. 
 
I am proud of Howard University’s leadership role in the center and our contributions to the growing potential of quantum technologies, especially quantum computing, especially now. We’re excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the field on the ground level. And I am thrilled to be able to partner with so many worthy and dedicated institutions on this most critical enterprise. This commitment to student development is vital for having a meaningful impact in STEM research and careers in industry. I’m excited to see our faculty members continue to be leaders in this field and how we can work with IBM to build a diverse quantum future.
 
Excellence in Truth and Service,
Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA
President