According to Quinn's office, the two were at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Preparatory high school.
Studies show Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) education helps close the achievement gap and better prepares students for success in college and their careers, key parts of Quinn's agenda to improve education in Illinois, a news release from the governor's office said.
Since he retired in 1989, Abdul-Jabbar has been involved in projects focused on African-American history and socio-economic justice.
"All those areas, science, technology, engineering and mathematcis will enable you to be relevant in the workforce," Abdul-Jabbar told his young audience.
In addition to speaking, Kareem also presented the school with a $5,000 grant for new text books.
Abdul-Jabbar's Skyhook Foundation helps to improves children's lives through education and sports.