La Plata, Md. — The College of Southern Maryland is exploring ways to prepare students for careers in quantum technologies after a delegation of college and regional leaders visited the nation’s first community college quantum technician program in February 2026.
CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson and other college officials joined representatives from Charles and Calvert counties, the University System of Maryland and the Maryland Higher Education Commission at the AFIT 2026 CEO Forum and Reps Meeting hosted by Central New Mexico Community College. Central New Mexico operates the country’s first Quantum Learning Lab and quantum technician program.
Quantum science studies how matter and energy behave at atomic and subatomic levels and is used to develop powerful new tools such as quantum computers. Quantum technicians are trained to build, operate and maintain these systems.
Dr. Wilson said regional collaboration helps the college stay ahead of workforce trends. “Our regional partners play a vital role in ensuring students are prepared for emerging industries and graduate with strong career opportunities,” Dr. Wilson said. “Learning from other industry and academic leaders and seeing their strategic collaboration firsthand is incredibly valuable in developing approaches that can succeed in Southern Maryland.”
The forum included networking, listening sessions and field trips to quantum industry labs and the CNM Quantum Learning Lab. Discussions centered on aligning curriculum with workforce needs, redesigning strategies in response to advancing technology and strengthening partnerships.
Paul Ruppert, Charles County senior commercial development manager, said the event highlighted the importance of quantum technologies. “The AFIT Forum provided valuable insight into the growing importance of quantum technologies,” Ruppert said. “Working with regional partners like the College of Southern Maryland enables Charles County to strengthen its workforce pipeline and create new opportunities for local businesses.”
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has made expanding the state’s information technology workforce a priority, including in lighthouse sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum. In January 2025, Moore announced the Capital of Quantum initiative, a five-year, 1 billion dollar public-private investment partnership to strengthen academic training, workforce development and infrastructure.
Dr. Wilson emphasized the college’s commitment to innovation. “At CSM we are always looking for ways to stay at the forefront of innovation,” she said. “As technology like AI and quantum become more integrated into the workforce, identifying ways to bring these advancements to CSM helps the college remain resilient and responsive to the region’s needs.”
The College of Southern Maryland will host the Southern Maryland Regional Quantum Forum on May 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the La Plata Campus in the Center for Business and Industry building. The event will feature panel discussions and breakout sessions on quantum basics, its importance, workforce impacts and Maryland’s readiness. Topics include quantum demystified, building bridges with lighthouse sectors, the community college role in workforce pathways, enabling technologies and physical plant needs for quantum labs.
The forum targets local businesses, workforce developers, academic leaders and stakeholders in biotechnology, semiconductors, defense and energy. Registration is available through the college website.
Attendees at the February AFIT forum from Southern Maryland included Dr. Bernice Brezina, dean of the School of STEM and Professional Studies; Valarie Burks, vice president of information technology; Damon Gorham, chief information officer; Bridget Brown, associate vice president of workforce innovation and strategic partnerships; Kelly Winters, executive director of workforce development; Karen Smith-Hupp, assistant vice president of government relations; Tora Wright, director of grant development; and Ellen Flowers-Fields, vice president of continuing education and workforce development. State participants included Emily Dow, assistant secretary of MHEC, and Michele Masucci, vice chancellor of the University System of Maryland.
Southern Maryland’s proximity to federal research facilities, defense contractors and growing technology sectors positions the region to benefit from quantum workforce development. The College of Southern Maryland serves students in Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties with programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics that could expand to include quantum-related skills.
This initiative aligns with broader state efforts to build a quantum-ready workforce while supporting local economic growth. The May 20 forum will provide an opportunity for regional leaders to discuss practical steps for integrating quantum concepts into education and industry.
