top of page
Quantum Learning
AGES 6–10
(EARLY EXPOSURE / STEM PIPELINE)
Project Exploration
-
Programs: Sisters4Science, after-school STEM
-
Focus: Science identity, hands-on exploration, mentorship
→ Builds early pipeline into future STEM + quantum careers
Communities In Schools of Chicago (STEMpathy Program)
Robotics + STEM + social-emotional learning
→ Focus on foundational STEM + teamwork skills
Chicago Public Schools STEM Programs (varies by school)
​Early STEM labs, robotics, science curriculum
→ Many schools are beginning to integrate quantum awareness concepts (pipeline stage)
AGES 11–13
(MIDDLE SCHOOL / STEM DISCOVERY)
Project Exploration
(Expanded Programs)
Field research, science internships, museum work
→ Students work directly with scientists
Museum + Informal Learning (Quantum Exposure)
-
Museum of Science and Industry
-
STEM exhibits + emerging tech education
Not quantum-specific, but foundational exposure to physics + computing
AGES 14–18
(HIGH SCHOOL — CORE QUANTUM PIPELINE)
Quantum Quickstart (University of Chicago)
-
1-week intensive quantum program
-
Labs + lectures + real research exposure
→ One of the most important youth quantum programs in Chicago
Chicago Quantum Exchange – K-12 Opportunities
Summer programs + outreach initiatives
→ Designed to introduce students to quantum engineering
Saturday Morning Quantum (Fermilab)
-
10-week Saturday program
-
Quantum physics + career exposure
→ Direct connection to national lab ecosystem
Chicago State University – Quantum Sensing Summer Program
-
2-week lab immersion for high school students
-
→ Hands-on research experience
Bowen High School
(Quantum Curriculum)
-
Emerging quantum + engineering curriculum
-
Supported by PsiQuantum funding
→ Early adoption of quantum education in CPS
AGES 18–22
(UNDERGRAD / ENTRY INTO QUANTUM)
University of Chicago – Quantum Track (Molecular Engineering)
​Undergraduate quantum engineering pathway
→ One of the first in the country
Chicago State University – Quantum Certificates + Minor
-
Quantum Information Science & Engineering (QISE)
-
Semiconductor + quantum workforce training
→ Direct pipeline into Quantum Park jobs
Open Quantum Initiative (OQI) Fellowship
Research placements in labs (UChicago, Argonne, Fermilab)
→ Hands-on quantum research experience
Chicago Quantum Exchange – Undergraduate Pathways
Research + coursework + lab access
→ Connects students to full ecosystem
GRADUATE (MASTER’S / PHD)
University of Chicago –
PhD in Quantum Science & Engineering
Advanced research in:
-
Quantum computing
-
Quantum sensing
-
Quantum communication
→ Top-tier global program
University of Chicago – Master’s (Quantum Engineering Track)
Applied quantum engineering education
→ Designed for workforce + research roles
Illinois Quantum Information Science Programs (UIUC – partner ecosystem)
Quantum-focused degrees across engineering + physics
→ Regional pipeline feeding Chicago ecosystem
ADULT LEARNERS
/ CAREER SWITCHERS
Chicago Quantum Exchange – Professional Course
4-day intensive quantum engineering program
→ Designed for:
-
Engineers
-
Tech professionals
-
Career switchers
Chicago State University – Adult + Workforce Programs
Certificates + internships + hands-on training
→ Includes paid internship pathways
Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) – Workforce Development
Tech + innovation training (quantum-adjacent)
→ On-ramp into quantum ecosystem
ECOSYSTEM / ADVANCED PROGRAMS (ALL AGES INDIRECT ACCESS)
Chicago Quantum Institute
Research hub + collaboration network
→ Anchors Chicago’s quantum ecosystem
Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE)
Connects:
-
Universities
-
National labs
-
Industry partners
→ Drives education + workforce strategy
Illinois Express Quantum Network (IEQNET)
Real-world quantum networking project across Chicago
→ Research infrastructure for training + innovation
bottom of page