Commentary: Chicago State is prepared for Chicago's quantum future

By Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott

Chicago stands at the precipice of a technological revolution. The Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park (IQMP) promises to reshape our city’s Southeast Side into a global hub for innovation. But for this vision to succeed, it cannot be an isolated enclave of scientific progress. It must be a catalyst for equitable growth, rooted in the talent and aspirations of the communities it calls home. At Chicago State University, we are an integral part of the architectural team guiding this inclusive future.

Equity is the engine of innovation

Quantum computing and microelectronics are often framed as elite fields, accessible only to those with advanced degrees from elite institutions. This narrative ignores a fundamental truth: The next breakthrough will not come from a single lab or university. It will emerge from collaboration across diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and skill sets. This is where true progress happens: When we come together, we don’t just innovate, we evolve.

CSU, Illinois’ only four-year predominantly Black institution, is uniquely positioned to bridge this divide. We rank in the top 3% nationwide for graduating Black students with physics degrees, and our partnerships with IBM, Argonne National Laboratory, and the Chicago Quantum Exchange have already placed our students at the forefront of quantum sensing and semiconductor research. Better still, our role extends beyond academia. As an anchor institution on Chicago’s South Side, we are dismantling systemic barriers to ensure quantum opportunities reach every corner of our community.

Building pathways, not pipelines

Workforce development is a commitment to lifelong empowerment. Through initiatives like the Chicagoland Partnership for Semiconductors and Microelectronics Experiential Learning (Mic2ExL), funded by a $1 million National Science Foundation grant, we provide hands-on training, mentorship and culturally responsive support to students often excluded from high-tech careers. This isn’t theoretical. It’s happening.

Last summer, CSU physics majors interned alongside CSU physics faculty members at the European Organization for Nuclear Research, known as CERN, contributing to particle physics experiments, while local high school students gained paid microelectronics skills through our earn-and-learn programs.

Our approach is highly intentional:

• Pre-college engagement: Quantum summer camps ignite curiosity in K-12 students, demystifying advanced science through community-centric projects.
• Industry-aligned curriculum: New certificates in semiconductor manufacturing and quantum science, developed with employers like IBM, ensure graduates meet real-world demands.
• Apprenticeship master’s programs: Bridging academia and industry, these initiatives allow students to earn while advancing critical research in quantum sensing and materials science.

Infrastructure as a justice issue

CSU’s quantum labs, once relics of underinvestment, are being transformed into innovation engines. A proposed $10 million Quantum & Innovation Training Facility will house modular clean rooms, optics labs, and collaborative spaces co-designed with South Side residents. This isn’t just about technology, it’s about reclaiming narratives. When a South Side student manipulates qubits in a state-of-the-art lab, they redefine what’s possible for their community.

The effect of inclusive growth

The IQMP is a blueprint for equitable development. By 2030, this project will create thousands of jobs, from cryogenic technicians to quantum algorithm developers. But without deliberate action, these roles risk bypassing the very communities hosting this revolution. CSU is committed to not let this happen.

Our partnership with City Colleges of Chicago guarantees admission for transfer students into quantum-related programs. We’re collaborating with Chicago Public Schools to embed quantum literacy in South Side high schools. And through the QuSTEAM initiative, we’re redesigning STEM education to prioritize accessibility over exclusivity.

Invest in homegrown talent

Chicago’s quantum future cannot be outsourced. It must be cultivated here, by the students, educators, and innovators who call this city home. To lawmakers, philanthropists, and corporate partners: Join us. Invest in CSU’s infrastructure. Fund scholarships for South Side learners. Mentor and hire our graduates.

The IQMP is not just a project. It’s a promise that the next generation of quantum leaders will reflect the full diversity of our city. A promise that scientific progress and community progress are inseparable. At Chicago State University, we’re keeping that promise.

Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott is president of Chicago State University.