Launched in 2020 by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science Foundation, Q-12 is a consortium that will expand access to K-12 quantum learning tools and inspire the next generation of quantum leaders.

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science Foundation are spearheading a partnership between the federal government, industry, professional societies and the education community that will foster a range of training opportunities to increase the capabilities and number of students who are ready to engage in the quantum workforce.  This starts with outreach and education in middle school and high school, introducing quantum technologies and science to inspire the next generation and continues by widening access to learning materials and quantum-related curricula beyond university labs and classrooms, to community colleges and online courses.

This partnership enables a foundation for classroom and curricula materials, developed in concert with key stakeholders from the quantum information science community. It encourages hands-on experiences with quantum tools in the classroom and through online venues and connecting students to public and private quantum career opportunities via internships, externships and other pathways.

Accordingly,  the National Q-12 Education Partnership commits over the next decade to work with America’s educators to ensure a strong quantum learning environment, from providing classroom tools for hands-on experiences to developing educational materials, to supporting pathways to quantum careers. By expanding access to materials and quantum technologies through this partnership, educators in classrooms and other settings will be able to develop programs, courses, and activities to introduce students to the field and open up opportunities for quantum careers. Together, we can prepare America’s next generation workforce with the tools to succeed in the industries of the future.