IBM-HBCU Quantum Center: A model for industry-academic partnerships to advance the creation of a diverse, quantum aware workforce

The IBM-HBCU Quantum Center is a first-of-a-kind collaboration between IBM and a consortium of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that seeks to address the lack of Black representation and build a diverse and aware workforce in quantum information science and engineering (QISE). Key pillars of the Center are focused on 1) building community and fostering a sense of belonging, 2) strengthening relationships internally and with the broader quantum community, and 3) providing funding to support undergraduate, graduate, and faculty research at HBCUs. As a part of the program, students and faculty are invited to participate in grant development workshops, a QISE invited speaker series, community hack-a-thons, and other opportunities to build competencies in the growing field of QISE. Since its launch, the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center has engaged a community of over 400 students, faculty, and researchers and will continue to establish a research presence in QISE and increase opportunities for research and workforce development.