Building the Quantum Workforce

Current Opportunities

Pathways to Quantum Summer Immersion Program 2026 

Applications open until June 28

*Note: Students will be selected for the in-person program on a rolling basis; in-person spaces may fill before the application deadline. Apply by June 8 for full consideration.

Apply here: https://go.gmu.edu/quantumimmersion2026 

Overview of application questions can be downloaded here.

Rolling application review will begin on June 8th and close on June 28.
In-person opportunities may fill before June 28, apply as soon as possible for the best chance to participate.

Program Overview

We are pleased to announce the opening of applications for the Pathways to Quantum Summer Immersion Program for 2026. This program provides students from the greater Washington region with an overview of basic quantum concepts, hear from quantum experts about their careers, and visit local quantum labs. The program is open to rising high school juniors or seniors from across the Washington DC region. The program provides students with an introduction to quantum through a virtual course followed by a one day in-person experience visiting workplaces engaged in different parts of the quantum ecosystem. Students participating in the in-person program must be US citizens. The program is free of charge. Lunch will be provided.

Schedule, Logistics and Credentialing

Virtual Course (June 29 – July 13)  

The program begins with a roughly six-hour self-paced virtual course giving students an introduction to the science behind quantum and an understanding of the careers that are available in this area. During this time there will also be synchronous virtual sessions where students can hear from quantum experts, including those in business and policy in quantum companies, about careers in the field. Students will receive a digital badge through Credly that they can use on resumes and LinkedIn after completion of the virtual program.

In-person program:

Mon., July 20 (George Mason University, Fairfax, VA), OR Mon., July 27 (University of Maryland, College Park, MD)

Students can apply for an all day in-person experience at either George Mason University or the University of Maryland. To participate they must complete the virtual course by July 13th. Students participating in the in-person experience must be US citizens. 

For Inquiries: jrosenb4@gmu.edu or nholinch@gmu.edu

Building Quantum in the Classroom: We regularly run quantum programs for teachers. If you are interested in being on our mailing list please sign up here 

Building Quantum in Your Classroom Summit

Mason QuEST: Quantum Education research for Social Transformation Fellowship

GRANT CANCELLED

For questions or more information contact jrosenb4@gmu.edu

Important note: Fellows must be US citizens, nationals, or permanent residents

George Mason University Quantum Education Research Postdoctoral Fellowship

GMU launched this NSF-funded postdoctoral fellowship program in early 2025, but the grant was terminated in May 2025. The program aimed to advance knowledge and understanding of systemic challenges to equity, inclusion, and access. Through this work, three postdoctoral Fellows would have generated knowledge to help in the creation of an inclusive and equitable quantum workforce. The program would have provided career guidance, mentorship, and professional development to aid in Fellows' development as leaders in the field. 

https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2430519&HistoricalAwards=false