Conceptual Progressions in Quantum Information Science and Technology Outreach

There is an international imperative for quantum information science and technology (QIST) workforce development in response to rapidly expanding technological advancements. Precollege QIST educational outreach is one way to promote interest and excitement among high school students as they develop career aspirations and decide upon their academic pathways to post-secondary study and the workforce. This talk will focus upon a university-based outreach for high school students and teachers in the Long Island/New York City region. This National Science Foundation-funded project, Quantum Education for Students and Teachers, has provided professional learning for 68 teachers and summer camp and one-day immersive activities for 262 high school students since its inception in 2022. Three university physics and physics education researchers designed and implemented a vertically progressive conceptual design to educate students and teachers in classical physics, quantum physics, and quantum computing principles and skills. Assessment data indicated knowledge growth in all three domains, as well as attitudinal gains in QIST pedagogical self-efficacy in teachers and QIST student attitudes. Ongoing efforts to facilitate grassroots efforts in precollege QIST informal and formal education during the 2025 International Year of Quantum will also be discussed.