Springfield, MA — On Monday, June 16, the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) hosted a celebration of the Quantum Training Academy, a groundbreaking workforce development program preparing Western Massachusetts students for careers in the emerging quantum computing industry.
Held at the UMass Center in downtown Springfield on the last day of the school year, the celebration spotlighted the voices and accomplishments of the Academy’s first cohort – students as young as ninth grade who completed intensive training in quantum computing foundations and early college coursework. The event featured remarks from student participants, program leaders, and educational partners, offering a powerful look at the talent pipeline being cultivated in the region.
The Quantum Training Academy is a collaborative initiative designed to meet the rising demand for a highly skilled, homegrown quantum workforce. Funded by the Innovation Institute at MassTech, PVPC partnered with Springfield Technical Community College, UMass Amherst, New North Citizens’ Council, the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership and industry leaders like QuEra Computing to develop the program, which gives local students early exposure to a field poised to revolutionize industries from medicine to national security.
“We’re thrilled to witness how far these students have come,” said Kimberly H. Robinson, Executive Director of PVPC. “Their curiosity, commitment, and potential make the case for continued investment in quantum training right here in Western Massachusetts.”
“This work highlights the need for comprehensive service provision that goes beyond technical training by addressing issues regarding access and lack of social capital. The kind of social capital that not only helps students to survive but also thrive,” said Vanessa Otero, Senior Fellow for Economic Development at PVPC.
With key stakeholders in attendance – including members of the quantum industry, education leaders, and regional officials – the celebration doubled as a showcase of how public and private investments are already transforming the future of the local workforce.
The Quantum Training Academy is part of PVPC’s broader mission to support equitable economic development across the Pioneer Valley. Through this program, students from Springfield and neighboring communities are gaining direct access to emerging technology fields – right in their own backyard.