Insider Brief
- Fermilab graduated a new cohort of students from its Saturday Morning Quantum program, aimed at preparing high school students for careers in quantum science.
- The program provides hands-on learning, exposure to quantum research, and interaction with scientists and industry professionals.
- The initiative supports workforce development by expanding access to quantum education and STEM pathways
PRESS RELEASE — Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) is strengthening the next generation of scientists and engineers through its Saturday Morning Quantum (SMQ*) program, graduating a new cohort of Chicago-area high school students prepared to explore careers in quantum science and technology on April 25.
Through programs like SMQ*, the laboratory is developing a future workforce equipped to contribute to next-generation fields such as quantum computing, advanced materials and precision sensing. One of Fermilab’s top priorities is driving science, technology and innovation for the benefit of society.
This year’s graduation ceremony took place at the Olive Harvey College Learning Center in Chicago’s South Shore community. Those in attendance included Chicago Deputy Director of Economic Development Tom Anderson, Alderman Peter Chico, Olive Harvey College VP of Academic Affairs Brandon Nichols and Fermilab Director Norbert Holtkamp.
During the ceremony, students were recognized for completing the program. Thirty‑seven students received participation certificates for completing eight out of the 10 sessions, 15 earned perfect‑attendance certificates, and 28 earned college credit.
The second Saturday Morning Quantum graduation ceremony was held on April 25 at Olive Harvey College Learning Center.Credit: Keith French, Fermilab
“We are proud of the role of Fermilab and our staff in helping to educate and excite students on the possibilities of quantum science,” Holtkamp said. “I would like to thank the teachers and students who are dedicated to this program. Through programs like Saturday Morning Quantum, Fermilab is helping build the workforce that will advance quantum science and deliver the capabilities the nation, and our world, will rely on in the future.”
The SMQ* program is led by Fermilab’s Office of Education and Public Engagement, in collaboration with scientists from the laboratory’s Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center (SQMS). The asterisk in SMQ* represents “more,” reflecting the program’s goal of expanding access to advanced scientific education for students across Chicago.
Over the course of the 10-week program, students engage directly with Fermilab scientists and engineers while exploring core topics in quantum science, including quantum mechanics, superconducting technologies, quantum computing and sensing, and the cryogenic systems that enable quantum devices. Quantum industry partners join sessions aligned with specific topics to share their career trajectories and paths towards research and development. Participants also gain exposure to real-world research environments through tours of Fermilab facilities, including the SQMS Center, where researchers are developing advanced quantum systems.
“Programs like SMQ* are critical to expanding the pipeline of talent in quantum information science,” said Anna Grassellino, associate laboratory director for technology and director of the SQMS Center. “We are excited to connect students to real-world research and with scientists at the SQMS Center. With this program, we are preparing a new generation of quantum scientists to contribute to technologies that will have a broad impact across science, industry and society.”
SMQ* students said they valued learning directly from lab researchers and exploring a field that is shaping the future of technology.
“Thanks to the instructors from Fermilab, I was able to learn more about quantum and quantum computing. There were no dumb questions in class,” said one participant.
SMQ* builds on Fermilab’s long-running Saturday Morning Physics program and reflects the laboratory’s broader commitment to workforce development and community engagement. By bringing advanced science education into Chicago-area communities, Fermilab is helping create pathways into STEM fields and expanding access to opportunities in emerging technologies.
Through its leadership in quantum science and its investment in education and workforce development, Fermilab is helping ensure America remains at the forefront of discovery and innovation in quantum science and technology.
Fermilab’s Office of Education and Public Engagement focuses on advancing the lab’s brand, mission, and reputation for K-12 audiences and beyond. For more information, visit education.fnal.gov.
The Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center is one of the five U.S. Department of Energy National Quantum Information Science Research Centers. Led by Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, SQMS is a collaboration of 36 partner institutions — national labs, academia and industry — working together to bring transformational advances in the field of quantum information science. The center leverages Fermilab’s expertise in building complex particle accelerators to engineer multiqubit quantum processor platforms based on state-of-the-art qubits and superconducting technologies. Working hand in hand with embedded industry partners, SQMS will build a quantum computer and new quantum sensors at Fermilab, which will open unprecedented computational opportunities. For more information, please visit sqmscenter.fnal.gov.
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory is America’s premier national laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research. Fermi Forward Discovery Group manages Fermilab for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science. Visit Fermilab’s website at www.fnal.gov and follow us on social media.
