What is QCaMP?

The strangeness of quantum physics is being harnessed to revolutionize computing as we know it.  At QCaMP (Quantum, Computing, Mathematics, & Physics), you will get a primer on computing fundamentals, learn hands-on about quantum physics, and apply those phenomena to solve computing problems in new ways.

QCaMP is an in-person camp aimed at the high school level, with programs for high school students in the Bay Area (California), Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Gallup (NM) QCaMP has a separate program for high school teachers (virtual and in-person) in the following locations: Bay Area (California), Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Gallup (NM), Chicago (IL), Boulder (CO), and Latrobe (PA).

QCaMP is FREE. Stipends are available for both teacher and student participants. Additional travel funds may be available for teachers traveling 50 miles or more to attend in person.

You will gain experience creating circuits on a real-world quantum computer and gain access to learning resources.  The only prerequisites for this camp are basic algebra and an interest in learning more!

Modules and sessions are accessible and engaging for teachers and students. No advanced math or physics are required!

• 7+ modules including slides, recordings, activities, and worksheets
• Modules can be incorporated into classroom settings and linked with existing Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) K-12 framework
• Teacher program includes pedagogical discussions, feedback, and resource sharing
• Student program includes career talks and lots of Q&A

Stipends available for both teacher and student participants

Student Summer Camp: July 1-26, 2024

Deadline to submit student application: April 1, 2024

Teacher Summer Camp: June 10-12, 2024

Deadline to submit teacher application: April 7, 2024

Who will teach me?

Past camp instructors have included active researchers from Sandia National Laboratories, Berkeley Labs, Los Alamos National Laboratory, University of New Mexico, and New Mexico State University and K-12 specialists at Berkeley Labs, with additional speakers from NIEA, IBM, Amazon, Quantum Systems Accelerator, Department of Defense, Creighton University, Girls in Quantum, and National Security Administration.

Teachers: 

When you complete QCaMP, you will have

• New fun ways to teach and explore quantum mechanics at the introductory level and beyond in your classroom;
• Resources for lesson plans and other ready-to-go activities to incorporate into your existing curriculum
• Discussion points about how quantum mechanics can transform society

Students: 

When you complete QCaMP, you will have

• The ability to think about solving computing problems in novel ways
• Sample career paths, resources, and workforce opportunities to continue exploring
• Hands-on experimental experience with quantum circuits

June 2023 Student Camp

Why QCaMP?

The workforce needs in quantum information science (QIS) are growing as experimental demonstrations advance powerful quantum technologies. However, the number of unfulfilled job vacancies increases every year, so there is tremendous potential for a highly-skilled and diverse workforce that can harness the promise of quantum advantage for meaningful applications.

QCaMP Goals:

• Introduce students to an exciting new field that they might not otherwise know about
• Reach more students by giving teachers the tools to introduce it in their classroom
• Increase diversity in the field of quantum information science by introducing concepts at an earlier education stage

Frequently Asked Questions

If the FAQs below do not answer your direct question, please email [email protected].

Student FAQ

Q: My recommender did not get the email to submit their recommendation for me, how do I fix this?

A:If you have submitted your application, your email should be registered within the Kaleidoscope system. However, sometimes the system does run into firewalls. We recommend going directly to the login page: https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/login

Once you are on the page please click the link BELOW the ‘next’ button that requires you to set your password. You should be able to log in from there. If that does not work, please email the recommendation to [email protected]

Q: Where does the student need to live to apply?
A: In order to apply, the student must live in Bay Area, CA; Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Gallup, NM; or Navajo Nation only, AZ

Q: Is this camp residential or drop off?
A: Drop off. Please consider this in travel distance and time when applying.

Q: What location will the students be hosted at?
A: In Albuquerque: UNM PAIS Building, California: On site at LBNL, Santa Fe: Santa Fe School for the Arts & Sciences, Gallup: TBD

Q: How old does the student have to be to apply?
Students must be 16 years or older by the beginning of QCaMP

Q: Can Seniors who graduate in May 2024 still apply?
A: Yes

Q: Who should apply?
A: We encourage high school students interested in STEM (that will be at least 16 at the start of the program) to apply.

Q: What are important dates to keep in mind?
A: Applications open: February 5, 2024
Applications close: April 1, 2024
Program dates: July 1 – July 26, 2024

Teacher FAQ

Q: What location will the teachers be hosted at?

• Albuquerque: University of New Mexico, Physics & Astronomy and Interdisciplinary Science building (PAIS) Building, 210 Yale Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
• Santa Fe: Santa Fe School for the Arts & Sciences, 5912 Jaguar Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87507
• California: On site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720
• Colorado: The University of Colorado, Boulder Campus, Boulder, CO 80309
• Chicago: Hosted by Q-NEXT location TBD
• Latrobe: Saint Vincent College, 300 Fraser Purchase Rd, Latrobe, PA 15650

Q: What are important dates to keep in mind?
Applications open: February 5, 2024
Applications close: April 7, 2024
Program dates: June 10 – 12, 2024