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Krishnamoorthi visits Harper, presents $765K for quantum education
The funding is part of broader federal and regional efforts to build a skilled quantum workforce and strengthen the Midwest’s role in emerging technology development.
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Malvika Choudhary - Tue, 05, May 2026
- 13:14 EDT
- 22
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi visited Harper College to discuss quantum science with Harper and industry leaders, before presenting $765,000 in federal funding he secured for quantum education. Pictured, from left, are Marcia Frank, senior director, innovation and development; Raeghan Grassle, associate professor, physics; Ben Vergara Parra, student trustee; Dr. Michelé Smith, vice president of Workforce Solutions; Walt Mundt, vice chair, board of trustees; James Meyer, trustee; Dr. Avis Proctor, Har / Harper College
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi visited Harper College to announce $765,000 in federal funding aimed at expanding quantum science education and workforce training programs.
The funding will support upgrades to science lab infrastructure and the development of hands-on learning opportunities introducing students–from elementary school through community college–to quantum science concepts and career pathways.
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“Quantum technology is already transforming our economy by revolutionizing industries like cybersecurity, healthcare, clean energy and advanced manufacturing,” Krishnamoorthi said.
“The funding I secured will help ensure students in our community have real access to this field–not just in theory, but through hands-on learning that leads to good-paying jobs. By building a stronger pipeline from the classroom to careers, we’re strengthening our workforce and keeping Illinois competitive. The future of this technology should be built here at home,” he added.
During the visit, Krishnamoorthi met with Harper leadership, faculty and industry partners, including representatives from the Chicago Quantum Exchange, for a roundtable discussion on workforce demand and the college’s quantum initiatives.
“We are grateful to Congressman Krishnamoorthi for his ongoing support of Harper College, our students and our state,” said Avis Proctor, president of Harper College.
“As a member of the Chicago Quantum Exchange, Harper has embraced what’s possible with quantum science and is committed to bringing those opportunities to our community. This funding will allow us to expand connections with our K-12 partners and introduce students to a field that is no longer theoretical, but full of real-world applications and career pathways,” he added.
The initiative includes the creation of modular, transportable quantum exploration kits designed to teach foundational concepts through hands-on activities. It also provides for teacher training and professional development to support implementation across K-12 and college classrooms.
College officials said the program builds on Harper’s existing efforts in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence training and aligns with broader efforts to develop a skilled workforce in emerging technologies.
Quantum science, which examines how matter and energy behave at atomic and subatomic levels, is expected to drive advances in secure communications, medical diagnostics and advanced manufacturing.
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