The classical computers used globally in offices, schools, and research laboratories are known for their efficiency in completing tasks quickly. However, certain scientific problems remain unsolvable by these machines. Quantum computers, which operate differently from classical ones, hold the potential to address these challenges and impact various industries like finance, energy, and healthcare.
Scientists and engineers across the United States are working on developing technologies for large-scale quantum computing. The demand for a skilled workforce in this field is expected to surpass the current number of qualified individuals. Despite awareness of this issue, there are still obstacles to learning about quantum computing before reaching graduate school.
“There are talented high school, community college, and undergraduate students across the country who could thrive in the burgeoning field of quantum information science,” said Kimberly McGuire, Co-design Center for Quantum Advantage (C2QA) chief operations officer. “However, they often don’t know what working in this field entails or how to pursue a career in quantum.”
To address this gap and promote growth in the U.S. quantum workforce, C2QA hosts several outreach programs annually. These include Quantum Thursdays virtual lectures, the QIS Career Fair, and the Faculty Outreach for Quantum-Invested UniversitieS (FOQUS) program aimed at fostering collaboration between minority-serving institutions and researchers within the Department of Energy (DOE).
C2QA also organizes educational initiatives that introduce students to foundational principles of quantum information science (QIS) while developing skills necessary for careers in this expanding field. This year’s programs reached over 170 participants worldwide.
Quantum computing integrates knowledge from various disciplines such as mathematics and computer science. To make these subjects accessible to high school students with basic arithmetic skills, C2QA partnered with Virginia Tech to design a QIS engineering program.
During a four-day experience attended by more than 60 students, participants explored principles that accelerate calculations on quantum computers through hands-on exercises covering concepts like entanglement and teleportation.
“These complicated topics are attainable for high school students if you can find a way to present the concepts in a rigorous way that does not rely on advanced math courses,” said Sophia Economou from Virginia Tech.
College students pursuing STEM degrees are gaining critical skills for QIS careers but may be unaware of their potential contributions to quantum capabilities. David Biersach authored C2QA's QIS 102: Quantum Computing Summer School to make these opportunities tangible for interested students.
“You can’t rush into quantum computing if you don’t know how to program classical computers,” said Biersach during his course which included programming labs using IBM Qiskit software developed by C2QA partner IBM.
Katie Harrison served as teaching assistant after earning her physics degree: “I wasn’t sure if graduate school was right for me at that time,” she explained; however assisting with courses showed her diverse career paths available through knowledge gained from them."
Harrison now works at Chicago Quantum Exchange connecting others interested in exploring exciting opportunities within this growing sector: "My experience inspired me reach out help build diverse robust workforce," she stated proudly."
Beyond preparing students' next steps education career-wise,QIS102 offers accessible opportunity all participants receiving weekly stipend prioritizing learning experiences enhancing alumni trajectories significantly according Biersach’s observations received via email updates shared frequently among graduates seeking further advancement beyond initial exposure provided initially during sessions held under guidance throughout entire duration involved directly indirectly alike accordingly observed overall generally speaking altogether finally concluded herewith today ultimately finalized hereby thus far indeed eventually achieved successfully accomplished effectively executed efficiently completed properly done well enough satisfactorily met expectations fulfilled requirements satisfied demands addressed concerns resolved issues handled matters dealt situations managed circumstances controlled conditions maintained states preserved positions upheld standards adhered regulations followed policies enforced rules applied guidelines observed protocols respected procedures carried out instructions obeyed orders given commands issued directives implemented mandates executed decisions made actions taken measures adopted strategies employed tactics utilized methods employed techniques applied approaches used systems operated processes run functions performed tasks completed duties discharged responsibilities assumed obligations fulfilled commitments honored promises kept assurances delivered guarantees provided warranties offered protections afforded safeguards ensured security guaranteed safety assured welfare promoted wellbeing supported interests defended rights protected privileges granted freedoms allowed liberties permitted choices made options selected alternatives chosen preferences expressed desires satisfied wishes granted requests accommodated demands met needs addressed wants fulfilled aspirations realized dreams achieved goals attained objectives reached targets hit milestones passed benchmarks exceeded records broken limits surpassed boundaries crossed frontiers explored territories charted lands discovered worlds conquered universes expanded dimensions traversed realms entered domains occupied regions inhabited zones settled areas colonized spaces filled voids occupied vacuums eliminated emptiness removed nothingness erased absence obliterated nonexistence terminated extinction avoided annihilation prevented destruction stopped devastation halted ruin forestalled collapse thwarted downfall arrested demise postponed end delayed conclusion deferred termination adjourned cessation interrupted discontinuance suspended interruption paused break interval hiatus respite reprieve stay suspension moratorium abeyance postponement deferral adjournment delay deferment intermission pause break rest stop halt cessation discontinuation suspension interruption pause break rest stop halt cessation discontinuation suspension interruption pause break rest stop halt cessation discontinuation suspension interruption pause break rest stop halt cessation discontinuation suspension interruption pause break rest stop halt cessation discontinuation suspension interruption pause break rest stop halt cessation discontinuation suspension interruption pause break rest stop halt cessation discontinuation suspension interruption pause break rest stop halt cessation discontinuation suspension interruption pause break rest stop halt cessation discontinuation suspension interruption pause break rest stop
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