Building Quantum STEM Pathways Through Two-Year College Courses, Camps, Classroom Kits, and Public Science Exhibits

This project aims to serve the national interest by developing and sustaining student engagement in STEM through the unifying theme of Quantum Science and Engineering. The underlying importance is to establish a “quantum pathway” that guides elementary through college students toward quantum related-fields. The emerging quantum field offers significant, transformative potential for workforce development, computing, and innovation. Aligned with the goals of the Innovation in Two-Year College STEM Education (ITYC) program, this track 1 project centers students in innovative STEM learning experiences and strengthens the institutional capacity of a two-year college to advance undergraduate education in an emerging discipline. In doing this, the project will expand access and build confidence in future students for emerging quantum STEM pathways. By investing early through school-based quantum curricula, outreach toolkits, quantum-focused summer programs, and quantum-themed science exhibits, educators and policymakers can prepare the next generation of quantum-ready professionals. Preparing the STEM population is essential for establishing a continuous pipeline leading to a sustainable quantum workforce. While still in the early stages of quantum discovery and technological advancement, the project aim is to develop a methodology that mentors, tracks, and prepares a STEM-capable population ready to meet the job opportunities of the next generation. The NSF IUSE: Innovation in Two-Year College STEM Education (ITYC) Program seeks to accelerate and advance knowledge about the impact of emerging and evidence-based practices in undergraduate STEM education at two-year colleges. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.