Pathways to Quantum Summer Immersion Program 2024
Quantum is the study of matter at the smallest scales - the scale of atoms and subatomic particles. The first quantum revolution gave us the transistor that is at the heart of classical computers and other devices like charge coupled devices that allow us to take digital photographs. Studies of the quantum realm have progressed and we are starting to be able to harness other quantum properties like entanglement for use in technologies that promise to usher in a second quantum revolution. This second quantum revolution is already allowing for the creation of quantum sensors that can be used in applications from precision timing, mapping, and medicine. Quantum cryptography is being developed as a way to safely transmit data. Quantum computers are growing in size and stability and hold promise for exponentially increasing the speed at which certain kinds of computational problems can be addressed. Companies are hiring expertise in these areas and need more people with an understanding of the weird and exciting world of quantum. Come join us to get your first taste of how the quantum world works and how it is being harnessed for these new technologies.
Applications are closed.
Review application questions before submitting your application:
Statement of Interest – Please tell us more about yourself and your interest in the Pathways to Quantum Summer Immersion Program. Please write a paragraph or two on your interest that answers the following questions:
Why do you want to participate in the program?
Why do you want to learn more about quantum?
What are your future educational and/or career aspirations?
What are you excited about learning in the program?
Learning about quantum and pursuing a career in the field can be challenging and inevitably it will involve some failure. Please tell us about a time that you experienced failure and how you have approached persevering through a challenge.
Students must submit a resume as a link to a Google drive document.
We require a teacher recommendation. Please determine which teacher will submit a recommendation on your behalf and share their name and email address with us on your application. You do not need a teacher recommendation at the time you submit your application. We will only reach out to a teacher if a student makes it to the final round.
Award notification: Friday, April 12, 2024
US citizenship required
Pathways to Quantum Summer Immersion Program
Summer 2024
In-person on Mason campus Sunday, July 14 through Friday, July 19
Asynchronous virtual learning required (upon completion, students will receive an electronic badge)
Wednesday, June 26 through Wednesday, July 10
See below for course description and time commitment.
Attendance to all of the in-person session is required for participation
Sunday, July 14 through Friday, July 19
In-person, overnight, on-campus program hosted at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Discover the World of Quantum
The George Mason University Quantum Science and Engineering Center and the Potomac Quantum Innovation Center are excited to invite rising high school seniors to participate in the Pathways to Quantum Summer Immersion Program. Join peers from around the Greater Washington region and participate in a week-long job shadowing opportunity where you will learn about quantum and STEM-related careers with leading research universities and industry leading organizations.
The summer program is free of charge and broken up into two segments.
The first segment begins on June 26 and runs through Friday, July 10. During this two week period, students are expected to complete a six hour virtual course that includes asynchronous work. Once the initial two week virtual course is completed, students will receive the Introduction to Quantum badge that they can list on a resume or LinkedIn profile.
The second segment begins on Sunday, July 14 and runs through late afternoon on Friday, July 19. Students will attend the week long, overnight program at George Mason University at our Fairfax Campus. Students must be available for the entire week. Room, meals, daily transportation to-and-from local sights, and a stipend of $500 will be provided to students upon completion of both segments.
After the week long immersion segment ends on July 19, there is an opportunity for extended quantum experiences. The extended experiences are optional and will require an additional application after acceptance into the program.
US citizenship required.
Apply here: https://go.gmu.edu/QuantumImmersion
Below is the 2023 Itinerary for the in-person segment of the program, which we anticipate will be similar for 2024.
Sunday, July 9th:
George Mason University, check in, dinner and evening activity
Monday, July 10th:
George Mason University
Welcome & Orientation
Tuesday, July 11th:
NASA
University of Maryland College Park
Wednesday, July 12th:
MITRE
Thursday, July 13th:
The George Washington University
Office of Science and Technology, The White House
Friday, July 14th:
George Mason University
Group Activities & Reflections
Introductory Badge Overview
The first part of the program will be an opportunity to learn (virtually) about quantum through the Pathways to Quantum Badging Program. Students will earn an introduction to quantum badge, the Quantum Discovery for Students via our partner Credly.
Credly is an organization that issues digital credentials (or badges) to officially recognize individuals for demonstrated competencies and skills. These badges can be shared digitally on resumes and LinkedIn with the user able to manage multiple badges from their Credly account and others able to view what competencies the badge demonstrates. The Quantum Discovery for Students PQIC badge will be issued by Credly for completing the virtual course.
Pioneer Badge Overview
The Pioneer Badge is the second level of the Pathways to Quantum Badging Program. The Quantum Explorer for Students will be awarded for students building on their foundational knowledge and applying it in participatory and experiential ways. The badge will be awarded to participants in the in-person immersion portion of the program which takes place from July 14 - 19 and gives students an opportunity to explore quantum first hand. Subsequent badges will follow that build on and deepen students’ knowledge, understanding, and engagement in quantum.
Pathways to Quantum is made possible by these generous supporters:
