Pathways to Quantum
Summer Immersion Program
Program Overview
In partnership with area K-12 public school systems, Connected DMV’s Potomac Quantum Innovation Center (PQIC) and George Mason’s Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC) 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 for a three-week long hybrid program that includes a week-long job shadowing opportunity where you will learn about quantum and STEM-related careers with leading research universities and industry leading organizations. We will be selecting rising high school seniors from across the DMV to participate.
This experiential learning program consists of two segments. The first segment begins on Monday, June 23 and runs until Wednesday, July 9. During this segment, students will complete a eight-hour asynchronous, virtual course. The second segment begins on Sunday, July 13 and runs until the afternoon of Friday, July 18. This segment is a week-long in-person experience visiting workplaces engaged in different parts of the quantum ecosystem including business and marketing, communications, policy, research, and more. Previous sites included NASA, IonQ, The MITRE Corporation, The White House (OSTP), George Mason University, University of Maryland, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, and George Washington University.
The summer program will be free of charge for students, including room and board at George Mason University for the in-person week and a $500 stipend upon completion of the program. Students will learn about the fundamentals of quantum, receive two online credentials, and discover how this emerging technology is poised to change the world.
For questions or additional information, please contact kierancollinson@connecteddmv.org.
APPLY NOW
The application includes a short form collecting basic information, your interest in participating, and contact information of a teacher so that we can ask for references for finalists. US citizenship is required for all students participating in 2025. Please review the Program Schedule below for student expectations and requirements.
To view the application questions before submitting your application, please click here.
The online application is due Sunday February 23, 2025.
2025 Program Schedule
June 23rd - July 9th
Virtual Course: Quantum Discovery For Students
The first segment begins a virtual course that includes asynchronous work giving students an introduction to the science behind quantum and an understanding of the organizations they will be visiting. During this time, students will complete an eight-hour asynchronous, virtual course plus one or two hour-long virtual meetings scheduled to accommodate student availability. Once the initial two week virtual course is completed, students will receive the PQIC Introductory Badge that can be listed on a resume or LinkedIn profile.
July 13th - July 18th
In-Person Camp: Quantum Explorer For Students
The second segment begins on July 13th, when students attend a week long, overnight program at George Mason University's campus in Fairfax County. The 5-days will include site visits to companies, nonprofit think tanks, government agencies and universities around the region as well as follow up on the virtual quantum learning and fun evening activities. Once the in-person week is completed, students will receive the PQIC Pioneer Badge that can be listed on a resume or LinkedIn profile.
Students must be available for all of the days and remain on campus (except for group excursions to quantum workplaces around the DMV) for the entire week. Room, meals, daily transportation to-and-from local sights, and a stipend of $500 will be awarded to students upon completion of the virtual and in-person segments.
Additional Opportunities
After July 18, there is an opportunity for extended quantum experiences to students enrolled in the
program. These are optional and will require an additional application.
Quantum World Congress
The cohort will be invited to take part in an optional summer project culminating in showcasing their work and sharing their experience in the program at the Quantum World Congress (QWC) on September 16-18, 2025 at Capital One Hall in Tysons, VA.
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 13-18 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.
