The Center for Quantum Networks is committed to the recruitment and retention of diverse faculty, staff, postdocs and students that exceed the national engineering average levels and to create a scientific home for all CQN members which is open, supportive, truly inclusive and fosters a sense of belonging to not only the CQN but Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) as a whole. At the core of CQN’s vision is the belief that the much-needed progress in diversifying STEM can not be accomplished if the work environment is not one of inclusivity, openness and dedication to progress. For this reason, CQN values the formation of such an environment on equal footing with the strive for excellence in research. 

CQN is committed to aggressively pursue increased involvement of underrepresented groups as Center participants and well-positioned to recruit from underrepresented and underserved communities with three of CQN’s universities, including the lead university, being HSI or HBCU:

• University of Arizona: Hispanic serving institution, undergraduate population of 26.8% with 31% of their undergrads Pell grant eligible
• Northern Arizona University: new HSI with 23.9% Hispanic and also 38% Pell grant eligible
• Howard University:  HBCU with 89.4% Black/AA and 45% Pell grant eligible. 

Additionally, all three of these institutions have a nearly or above 50% undergraduate population identifying as female.