Education, Outreach and Workforce Development

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

Published in August 2024 and authored by Jason Yager, executive director of the Montana Photonics and Quantum Industry Alliance, this new 12-page report outlines the state of the workforce in quantum and quantum-adjacent industries in Montana as well as an overview of the educational pathways that prepare Montanans for jobs in this emerging industry. The report also includes current gaps as well as opportunities for future growth.

Read the report here.

The report is available for free download, with printed reports available through MSU later in August 2024. The report was commissioned by MSU's Applied Quantum CORE, which is supported by the Air Force Research Laboratory. For more information, email [email protected]

As quantum concepts and applications are a relatively new phenomenon in our state, we will lay the groundwork for future growth through a statewide informational campaign that reaches all sectors, including youth (their educators, organizational leaders, caregivers and parents), government, and industry.

Communications will include news articles, broadcast pieces and advertisements that help audiences understand general quantum concepts.

Public engagement efforts such as workshops, festivals, lectures, exhibits and art installations will reach audiences broadly.

To build a quantum-literate and prepared workforce, we will begin when students are forming their STEM identities and clarifying their interests.

For middle school youth (grades 6-8), we will focus on STEM challenges, competitions, and outreach events.

For 9-12 students, we will build more immersive experiences that prepare high school students (particularly those in grades 9 and 10) to select courses and opportunities that prepare them for potential post-secondary studies and careers.

Activities for younger students will include engaging content to stimulate their interest in STEM.

All youth programs will include strategies to share content with parents and caregivers regarding future educational and job opportunities in the quantum industry.

Educator professional development is a highly effective strategy for sharing STEM content knowledge and sparking interest in emerging fields, as classroom teachers are often highly influential in the motivations and pathways of their students.

It is not uncommon for students in Montana’s smallest towns to see one single science teacher throughout their middle and high school years, and reaching these educators with high-quality curricula, classroom equipment and professional development can have a multiplier effect for years beyond the scope of funded research projects.

Strategies will include research immersion experiences for classroom teachers; training for pre-service teachers (future STEM educators); and curriculum development that meets standards for science, mathematics or CTE (Career and Technical Education).

The objective of this task is the development of education programs, and formation of a diverse, smart quantum workforce at various education levels (2-yr certificates, 4-year degrees, advanced degrees, professional training).

For example, the Applied Quantum CORE’s testbed will give a variety of learning opportunities for all age groups and will contribute significantly towards skilled workforce development in the areas of cryogenics, RF measurement and opto-electronic interface.

Through the NSF Engines program, we can grow and sustain regional innovation by developing educational and training opportunities to grow a skilled, adaptable, and diverse regional workforce that increases Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) innovations, enhances translation outcomes, fills QSC needs, and anchors companies.