Building the Quantum Workforce - Pathways to Quantum Immersion Program

Pathways to Quantum Immersion Program

Quantum is the study of matter at the smallest scales - the scale of atoms and subatomic particles. As the Second Quantum Revolutoin accelerates the development of technologies based on the manipulation of matter at the smallest scales, the next generation needs to be prepared to work on and develop these technologies. This program has been exciting students about STEM in general and quantum in particular since 2022. The students get to learn about quantum concepts, hear from professionals in the field including technical, communications, business, and policy experts. They also get the opportunity to visit research labs in academia, government, and industry.

Funding for the Pathways to Quantum Immersion Program has ended. Please consider sponsoring student scholarships so that we can continue to run the program. In addition to the faculty who make this program possible, we provide every student with a stipend so that they don't have to choose between working a summer job and participating.

“the experience was useful to give me an idea of what real labs look and feel like and has definitely heightened my excitement of going and studying stem”

“It inspired me to pursue quantum related skills and experiences, and to search ways that I can apply them to my other interests.”

“It greatly opened my mind to the different options and applications of quantum. I am now more excited to work with others in adjacent careers and fields to see the widespread applications.”

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 23 and runs through Wednesday, July 9. 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 13 and runs through late afternoon on Friday, July 18. 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 18, 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.

Below is the 2024 Itinerary for the in-person segment of the program, which we anticipate will be similar for 2025.

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:

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