Quantum Education, Outreach and Workforce Development
MSU Quantum in the News
Montana State University's World Quantum Day educational effort was featured in the April newsletter of NISENet – the National Informal Science Education Network.
A similar article was also posted on the website of The West Big Data Innovation Hub, a regional NSF-funded hub designed to “build and strengthen partnerships across academia, industry, nonprofits, and government—connecting research, education, and practice to harness the data revolution.”
Summer 2024 mini-grants for the Colleges of Arts & Architecture and Education, Health and Human Development
What do you know about quantum? Whether your answer is “a lot”, “a little” or “next to nothing,” we need your creative ideas to share the
promise of this emerging industry with Montana audiences.
As the scope and scale of research involving quantum science and technologies grows at MSU, so does the need to:
- expand public literacy about the field and its capacity to enhance our lives and livelihoods;
- design and promote workforce development pathways for youth and adults; and
- support educators and community leaders who serve as boundary spanners between the research and the public.
This rapid response mini-grant program seeks innovative ideas to advance understanding of quantum science and technologies while positioning MSU and its partners for future opportunities.
Faculty, staff and grad students of EHHD and the College of Arts & Architecture may apply for up to $5,000 for a Summer 2024 project. Collaborations between the two colleges or between more than one department, school or program within the Colleges may apply for up to $10,000. Proposals were due April 25, 2024. Details here..
An informational Webinar was held on April 16, 2024 -- click through to the informational page to watch the recording.
Montana educators: Celebrate World Quantum Day on April 14
Applications have now closed to receive a free kit. However, we will post all resources
here for download, and you can watch the recording of our March 26 educator training
here.
WORLD QUANTUM DAY MONTANA EDUCATOR TRAINING
Please also register at QuanTime for more resources and the chance to win a teacher goodie bag!
World Quantum Day is an international event held on April 14 to generate interest
in quantum science. Quantum is the science of atoms and particles which are the building
blocks of the universe! Scientists have used quantum mechanics to create technology
we use every day such as the chips in smartphones. What exciting technology will be
discovered next?
Our goal is to help educators and youth engage in the work of Quantum Science through
providing lesson kits for teachers to use on World Quantum Day. No teacher expertise
in quantum science required!
Activities are designed for grades 6-12 but can easily be scaled up or down. Plan
to use your kit on or near to World Quantum Day on April 14th.
A short feedback form is requested at conclusion of the project We will request you
submit an artifact such as photos, video clips, student reports, artwork or other
artifacts from your World Quantum Celebration! All Montana educators and youth leaders
are eligible to apply.
Application deadline was March 16, 2024. For questions, contact Elizabeth Green at
[email protected].
Thank you to the National Q-12 Education Partnership and QuanTime for support of this project!
Listen to this project on Yellowstone Public Radio!
MSU receives $26.7 million grant for quantum technology;
SMRC will support education and workforce development
With a new $26.7 million grant from the U.S. Air Force, Montana State University will
establish a facility with the mission of moving advanced quantum technology applications
in cybersecurity, communications technology and national defense from concept and
testing to market. The 20-month grant from the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome,
New York, will support MSU’s Applied Quantum CORE facility.
The Science Math Resource Center will oversee education and workforce development, including creating programs that help youth, educators and community members learn more about quantum concepts and the quantum industry; and working with higher education institutions and industry to establish and promote career pathways and internships while exploring new training and educational programs at all levels. Read the MSU news story here.