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, Harper president;
Bill Kelley, chair, board of trustees; Rep. Krishnamoorthi; Jeff Julian, chief of
staff and vice president of External Affairs; Dr. Bijal Chaturvedi, trustee; Caitlin
Carnahan, Infleqtion representative; Dr. Emily Easton, director of education, Chicago
Quantum Exchange. 
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi visited Harper College to present $765,000 in federal funding he secured to support 21st-century science education and expand access to careers in quantum science and technology.
The investment will help modernize Harper’s science lab infrastructure and launch hands-on learning opportunities that introduce students – from elementary school through community college – to quantum concepts and career pathways.
“Quantum technology is already transforming our economy by revolutionizing industries like cybersecurity, healthcare, clean energy and advanced manufacturing,” said Krishnamoorthi, who represents Harper’s district. “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.”
During his visit, Krishnamoorthi joined Harper leaders, educators and industry partners from the Chicago Quantum Exchange for a roundtable discussion on the college’s growing quantum efforts and the increasing demand for skilled workers in the field.
“We are grateful to Congressman Krishnamoorthi for his ongoing support of Harper College, our students and our state,” said Dr. Avis Proctor, Harper president. “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.”
Quantum science focuses on how matter and energy behave at the smallest scales, enabling breakthroughs in a variety of fields. This funding will support Harper’s development of modular, transportable quantum exploration kits designed to introduce students to foundational quantum concepts in a hands-on way. Through these tools, learners will gain exposure to real-world applications of quantum science. The initiative also includes teacher training and professional development to ensure these resources can be effectively implemented and sustained across both college and K-12 classrooms.
The initiative builds on Harper’s ongoing efforts to expand access to cutting-edge STEM education, including recent programs in cybersecurity and AI, and aligns with broader regional and national priorities to develop talent in quantum science and other advanced technologies.
After his visit, Krishnamoorthi was interviewed on FOX 32’s Chicago Live, where he praised Harper as one of the top community colleges in the country and lauded Dr. Proctor as a “visionary” for her leadership in developing workforce training programs in emerging technologies.
Rep. Krishnamoorthi, left, met with Dr. Proctor during his visit to Harper College.
Rep. Krishnamoorthi listens to leaders from Harper College and the Chicago Quantum Exchange.
Associate Professor Grassle shares the opportunities for incorporating quantum science in the classroom.
Dr. Proctor, left, and Rep. Krishnamoorthi engaged in a discussion about the future of quantum science and the role education can play in training workers for the emerging field.