Giuseppe LoPiccolo/Capital News Service
Gov. Wes Moore announced a significant investment in quantum computing Tuesday, part of his push to grow Maryland’s economy.
Governor Moore Announces $1 Billion “Capital of Quantum” Initiative
By JACK BOWMAN
Capital News Service
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (Jan. 15, 2025)— Gov. Moore is pledging to make Maryland the “quantum capital of the world,” proposing a significant investment into the industry of super-fast computing amid a budget crisis in the state.
Speaking at the College Park headquarters of IonQ, a leading quantum computing company, Moore said Tuesday he believes quantum is one of the industries in which Maryland has a competitive advantage, industries that could help grow an economy he said has been stagnant for too long.
“I refuse to have, in this moment, with the talent we have in the field, for Maryland to be a state that is just simply going to manage decline,” Moore said. “Maryland, if we grow, we win. We’re going to grow.”
In his address to the crowd, which included representatives from IonQ, the University of Maryland and other industry leaders, Moore announced a $27.5 million investment in the new “Capital of Quantum” initiative. Moore described the project as a joint venture between the state, the University of Maryland, IonQ and “other partners in the quantum computing space.”
Moore described the goal of the investment as a simple one: “to make Maryland the capital of quantum of the world.”
The announcement of the initiative follows a week of financial volatility in the quantum industry. Stock for IonQ and other companies in the field have seen dramatic rises and falls over the past several days after figures like Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg questioned the idea of quantum computing being ready in the near future.
Despite this, Moore believes investing in the industry is a good short-term bet, and an even better one in the long-term.
“I think this is actually a smart bet for our GDP growth early,” Moore told CNS in a gaggle with reporters, “and I think it’s an incredibly smart bet for our long-term prospects of having something that Maryland can really pride itself on as having one of the leading spaces in the industry.”
Quantum computing, a rapidly-emerging industry in the technology space, involves using quantum mechanics to produce answers to problems far faster than current computers can. The applications of such technology are wide-ranging, including artificial intelligence, pharmaceutical research and cybersecurity.
“Quantum computing doesn’t just bend reality,” Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller said at IonQ headquarters. “It redefines it, solving problems in ways we never, ever thought possible.”
Along with the focused spending in quantum computing, Moore also announced a larger $750 million investment in “economic growth and workforce development,” with a focus on leveraging the assets that Maryland has to grow the state’s economy.
“Oftentimes,” Moore said, “we have been asset-rich and strategy-poor. We haven’t prioritized the areas that need to be prioritized. Well, today that changes.”
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Thiel College Surprises Maryland High School Student With Full Tuition Scholarship
By PRESS OFFICER
Thiel College
GREENVILLE, Pa. (Jan. 15, 2025)—Maryland high school senior Aliyah Thompson, of Upper Marlboro, Md., won an academic scholarship worth $156,970 to Thiel College during a surprise presentation Wednesday, January 15 morning at Bishop McNamara High School.
Her parents, Thomas and Stacy Thompson, a Thiel College admission counselor as well as members the Bishop McNamara athletic staff, faculty and administrators and students were on hand for the event.
Thompson plans to major in Communications Media at Thiel College. She is a member of the girls lacrosse team, the music honor society, International Food and Travel Club, Pacific Asian American Cultural Enlightenment, World Hub Club, Film Club, Broadcast Journalism, choir and theater.
Thompson’s scholarship ceremony was one of two events held Wednesday. Commodore Perry (Pa.) High School senior Kennedy Cropp was also awarded a scholarship. Students attended one of the College’s scholarship competitions in late 2023 where they were interviewed by faculty and staff members. Each year the College awards five full-tuition scholarships from a field of hundreds of eligible candidates.
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Council Member Wanika Fisher Hosts “Wicked: Girls Defying Gravity” Empowerment Event
Empowerment Day Celebrates Strength, Creativity, and Leadership
By PRESS OFFICER
Office of Council Member Wanika Fisher
Prince George’s County Council Member Wanika Fisher (District 2) invites the community to an exciting event designed to inspire and empower young girls through art, movement, and leadership. The “Wicked: Girls Defying Gravity” Empowerment Event will take place on Saturday, January 25, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Joe’s Movement Emporium, located at 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mount Rainier, MD.
This vibrant, Wicked-themed event, hosted by Sydney Jackson, Miss Teen DC USA, features an engaging lineup of activities including poetry, dance, career mentorship, and creative workshops. It will be an afternoon filled with opportunities for girls to embrace their creativity, explore new skills, and celebrate their unique potential.
“Empowering young girls is crucial to building confident and resilient future leaders. This event is a space for them to connect, express themselves, and learn how to embrace their power,” said Council Member Fisher.
There will be a poetry performance from Prince George’s County 2023 Poet Laureate Precious Rose, a movement workshop and dance session led by professional dancer and choreographer Shannon Ashlia, and career mentorship discussions featuring Linda Cameron and other inspiring speakers. Attendees will also be able to participate in paint therapy, doll-making, and a hula hoop class, as well as a “Chat & Chew” lunch, sponsored by local businesses.
This event is made possible through a partnership with Joe’s Movement Emporium, a community-centered arts organization, and features contributions from outstanding local artists and professionals.
Admission is free, and girls of all ages are welcome to attend. Last year’s Barbie themed Empowerment event was a huge success, and Council Member Fisher is thrilled to once again inspire girls to learn, dance, and create!
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Listening Sessions Scheduled for Prince George’s County to Hear Input on Rent Stabilization Law
By PRESS OFFICER
DHCD
The Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) invite you to attend Listening Sessions regarding the newly-enacted Permanent Rent Stabilization and Protection Act of 2024. The Permanent Rent Stabilization and Protection Act became effective on October 17, 2024. The law is designed to protect renters from excessive rent increases while ensuring landlords can maintain their properties.
Prince George’s County is in the process of drafting regulations and creating policies and procedures to implement this new law and is seeking the input of stakeholders and interested parties as it moves forward. To that end, DPIE and DHCD will be holding a series of Listening Sessions to solicit your feedback and comments. There will be two (2) Virtual Listening Sessions and one (1) In-person Listening Session. The Virtual Listening Sessions will be conducted via Zoom.
To register to attend, submit questions, comments, and/or sign up to speak, complete: “DPIE’s Permanent Rent Stabilization Law Listening Sessions Registration Form.”
Virtual attendees must also click the date they wish to attend to receive the meeting link. The Listening Sessions will be held on the following dates/times:
• Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 11 a.m. to Noon—Virtual
• Tuesday, February 4, 2025, from 11 a.m. to Noon—Virtual
• Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 6 p.m. —In Person (A separate invitation will be sent regarding the location.)
Visit the website for information regarding the Permanent Rent Stabilization and Protection Act of 2024:
https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/housing-community-development/permanent-rent-stabilization-and-protection-act-2024?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Email PRSAInfo@co.pg.md.us for more information.
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CASA/Prince George’s County Wins 2024 Aging Out Institute Award
By PRESS OFFICER
CASA/Prince George’s County
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Prince George’s County has been named one of eight winners of the 2024 Aging Out Institute (AOI) Awards Program.
The AOI Awards Program celebrates the positive impact and influence of organizations that work with youth who age out of foster care. The awards program supports AOI’s mission to identify and share award winners’ best practices with foster care professionals throughout the world.
“We are thrilled to be recognizing such wonderful organizations this year,” said Lynn Tonini, Founder and Executive Director of Aging Out Institute. “This is a peer-judged awards program as the winners from the 2023 AOI Awards Program served as judges this year. This judging model lends significant credibility to the selection of the winning organizations from all the applications we received. We are pleased to be able to support the winners’ programs and look forward to hearing how the funds were utilized to help youth aging out of care transition to adulthood successfully.”
This year’s panel of judges included experienced practitioners in the field of foster care throughout the country (Arizona, California, Maryland, Nevada, New York, and Ohio). After careful consideration, these judges selected the following organizations as the winners of the 2024 National Awards Program (by category and prize amount):
Small Organization or Program – Flame Award ($40K each)
Cleveland Angels (Cleveland, OH)
Finally Family Homes (Culver City, CA)
Olive Crest (Las Vegas, NV) The Felix Organization (Locust Valley, NY)
Mid-Size or Large Organization or Program – Fire Award ($50K each)
City Living (New York, NY)
CASA/Prince George County (Riverdale, MD)
Good Samaritan Boys Ranch (Brighton, MO)
Youth Impact – Phoenix Award ($90K)
DFW Angels (Dallas, TX)
About CASA/Prince George’s County:
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Prince George’s County is a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for the best interests of youth experiencing foster care. Since 2001, they have served thousands of children, providing them with a strong volunteer advocate and a pathway to a brighter future. With a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion, they provide training and support to volunteers from the community to strengthen the voice of our children. They aim to promote the timely placement of children in foster care into safe, permanent homes while recognizing and respecting each child’s unique identity and circumstances.
Over 75% of the young people they serve are 14 years of age or older. It is crucial that they are prepared to age out with the proper tools and resources. CASA/Prince George’s County does this by providing a variety of support services to ensure that youth have the best possible outcomes, such as volunteer training, educational planning, collaboration with court and community partners, and emergent financial assistance for older youth and those who have aged out of care. (Riverdale, MD)
2024 AOI Award Winner Press Release
“Being selected for the Aging Out Institute Fire Award is an honor and a powerful testament to the relentless dedication of our staff, board members, and volunteers. This award strengthens our ability to elevate our brand to raise awareness about the needs of our young people and attract more volunteer advocates to help us disrupt the challenges faced by youth aging out of care.”—Yolanda Johnson, Executive Director, executivedirector@pgcasa.org
Learn more about how you can help to support youth aging out of foster care in Prince George’s County, Maryland: Donate: GiveDirect Fundraising Platform: Court Appointed Special Advocates - Casa Prince George’s County, Inc. : https://donate.givedirect.org/migrate/?cid=4450
Volunteer: Become a Volunteer – PG Casa : https://pgcasa.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer/
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