Prince George’s County Celebrates Arrival of Quantum World Congress, Reinforces Position as the Engine of Maryland’s “Capital of Quantum”
County economic development corporation launches new digital resource hub
By RHETT BUTLER
PGCEDC
LARGO, Md. (Sept. 3, 2026)—Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) is celebrating the upcoming arrival of the Quantum World Congress, taking place September 23–25 in the Discovery District in College Park, Maryland. The international gathering will bring together leading researchers, investors, and industry leaders shaping the future of quantum technology, and PGCEDC is using the moment to spotlight Prince George’s County’s role as the engine powering Maryland’s status as the Capital of Quantum.
Anchored by the University of Maryland, the Discovery District has emerged as one of the nation’s most significant hubs for quantum research and commercialization, home to institutions and companies advancing quantum computing, sensing, and communications. The arrival of the Quantum World Congress underscores the region’s growing influence on the global stage, and Prince George’s County’s central role in translating that research into economic opportunity, job creation, and industry growth.
“We are proud to welcome the Quantum World Congress to Prince George’s County,” said Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy. “ These are leaders in their field who not only accelerate innovation and collaboration in quantum technology, but also create new jobs, build community partnerships, and showcase our region’s readiness to lead in an innovative and emerging economy. Quantum technology is no longer futuristic, it is in our labs, our boardrooms, our learning centers, and now part of Prince George’s County!”
“Prince George’s County isn’t just adjacent to Maryland’s quantum story, we’re the engine driving it forward,” said Ingrid S. Watson, President & CEO of PGCEDC. “As the Quantum World Congress brings the world’s attention to the Discovery District, we want businesses, investors, and innovators to see what we already know: this county is where quantum research turns into quantum industry.”
“Every generation has a defining technology; quantum is ours,” said Sam Braden IV, PGCEDC Director of Business Development - Information Technology & Cyber Security. “But research alone does not build an economy. It takes businesses, talent, capital, infrastructure, and community. That is how Prince George’s County can turn innovation into new companies, jobs, and investment. The Business of Quantum will help local businesses find their place in that economy.”
New Resource Hub: Capital of Quantum
To mark the occasion, PGCEDC has launched a dedicated webpage that highlights resources, insights, and opportunities in the regional and global quantum industry. The page is designed to serve as a go-to resource for entrepreneurs, researchers, and companies looking to understand and plug into Prince George’s County’s quantum ecosystem. Visit the new resource hub at: www.pgcedc.com/capital-of-quantum
The mission of the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) is to cultivate and promote a strong local economy that supports the growth and prosperity of entrepreneurs and businesses. It is dedicated to strengthening communities through business development and job creation.
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Prince George’s County Commemorates 35 Years of Transit Service and Officially Launches GoPGC
Formerly “TheBus,” GoPGC Establishes Framework for a New Era of Transit
By ANGELA ROUSON, MPA
Department of Public Works and Transportation
LARGO, Md. (Sept. 2, 2026)—Today, the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) commemorated over 35 years of local transit service with the official launch of GoPGC, a systemwide rebrand of the County’s transit network. County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy and Council Chair Krystal Oriadha joined DPW&T Acting Director Oluseyi Olugbenle, local officials, community leaders, and County employees to mark the historic milestone. The event also celebrated the history of County transit while highlighting the contributions of employees who have shaped and advanced the system for over three decades.
Formerly TheBus, GoPGC is the next phase of PGC Transit Transformation, bringing all County-operated transportation services under a unified, recognizable identity. The transition began in summer 2026, and will continue across transit fleets, routes, and programs, creating a distinct presence for Prince George’s County transit in the region.
Beyond the new name and visual identity, the transition includes Sunday service on select routes, and continued investments in technology, passenger amenities, and cleaner transportation designed to improve convenience, reliability, and the overall rider experience.
“For more than 35 years our transit system has connected residents to work, education, services, and opportunity,” said Prince George’s County Executive Braveboy. “As we attract new development and strengthen our economic future, transit must evolve with us. Our residents deserve a modern, accessible, and reliable system that elevates their quality of life and GoPGC brings us closer to that goal.”
Under the new system, the County’s transit services will include:
• GoPGC, formerly TheBus, the County’s fare-free fixed-route bus service.
• PGC Link, an on-demand service using smaller vehicles and flexible routes based on real-time rider demand.
• Plus, formerly Call-A-Bus, the County’s demand-response service for eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities who are unable to use traditional fixed-route transit.
• Express, an anticipated limited-stop service designed to provide faster connections between major destinations with fewer stops, transit priority, and other mobility enhancements.
The GoPGC launch is rooted in the Prince George’s County Transit Vision Plan, which provides a long-term framework for improving mobility and creating a transit system that responds to the County’s changing population, development patterns, and transportation needs.
“GoPGC reflects more than a new look for transit, it represents how we are preparing our system to serve Prince George’s County for the next generation,” said DPW&T Acting Director Oluseyi Olugbenle. “We are building on 35 years of service with a stronger focus on efficiency, accessibility, and the overall commuter experience.”
The rebrand commemorates more than three decades of local transit service while establishing a new foundation for the future of mobility in Prince George’s County.
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UMGC and Prince George’s County Public Schools? Announce?Dual Enrollment Partnership
Eligible students can earn college credit and a no-cost certificate
By PRESS OFFICER
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, Md. (Sept. 3, 2026)—University of Maryland Global Campus and Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) today announced a dual enrollment partnership, marking a new opportunity for eligible PGCPS high school juniors to earn college credit and pursue a UMGC undergraduate certificate before graduation.
Through the PGCPS to UMGC Dual Enrollment Program, eligible PGCPS juniors may enroll at UMGC and pursue one of three undergraduate certificates: Artificial Intelligence Foundations, Leadership and Ethics, or Spanish for Business and the Professions. Approved students may pursue and, upon successful completion, earn their certificate at no cost through funding provided by PGCPS.
The partnership expands PGCPS’ Dual Enrollment program with certificate pathways in areas increasingly important to today’s workforce. Artificial Intelligence Foundations introduces students to key concepts and applications in AI; Leadership and Ethics focuses on management, organizational leadership and ethical decision-making; and Spanish for Business and the Professions strengthens language and professional communication skills through coursework taught in Spanish that explores business cultures and economic conditions across the Spanish-speaking world.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to expanding access to higher education and creating clear pathways to student success,” said UMGC President Gregory W. Fowler, PhD. “Building on successful collaborations such as the 3D Scholars program, UMGC and Prince George’s County Public Schools are creating new opportunities for students to earn college credit and industry-relevant credentials before they graduate from high school. Together, we are helping more Maryland students gain an early start on their academic and career goals while strengthening the future workforce of our state.”
For PGCPS, the partnership builds upon its Dual Enrollment program, giving students more opportunities for a head start on college credits while helping them explore career interests, strengthen academic skills and gain valuable college experience before graduation, at no cost to students.
“Partnering with UMGC allows us to remove financial barriers and provide our students with direct, high-value pathways into the modern workforce,” said PGCPS Superintendent Shawn Joseph, EdD. “By offering tuition-free certificates in emerging and critical fields like artificial intelligence, leadership, and professional Spanish, we are not just giving our high schoolers a head start on college credit—we are empowering them with practical, industry-aligned skills that give them a competitive edge in their future careers.”
Students accepted into the program will begin coursework in fall 2026 and complete a career preparatory course that introduces them to UMGC and helps connect their academic experience with professional goals and career options. Interested students and families are encouraged to speak with their school counselor and visit the partnership webpage for more information: https://www.umgc.edu/transfers-and-credits/pgcps.
University of Maryland Global Campus was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of working adults and military service members. Today, UMGC is the largest provider of postsecondary education in Maryland and continues its global tradition with online and hybrid courses, more than 175 classroom and service locations worldwide, and more than 100 degrees and certificates backed by the reputation of a state university and the University System of Maryland. For more information, visit umgc.edu.
Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), one of the nation’s 20th largest school districts, has 200 schools and centers, more than 130,000 students and 22,000 employees. The school system serves a diverse student population from urban, suburban and rural communities located in the Washington, DC suburbs. PGCPS is nationally recognized for college and career-readiness programs that provide students with unique learning opportunities, including dual enrollment and language immersion.
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