Hands-On Quantum Science: Sandia National Laboratories Hosts QCaMP Camp for High School Students and Teachers in 2023

In 2023, Sandia National Laboratories will once again host the QCaMP program for high school students and teachers in New Mexico. Now in its third year, this camp is designed to inspire the next generation of scientists in the rapidly growing field of quantum science. This year’s camp will be held in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and the Bay Area of California from July 1 – 26.

QCaMP was created in 2022 by Sandia employees Megan Ivory and Jake Douglass and has since grown from a virtual-only camp to an in-person four-week camp for students and a three-day camp for teachers. The program has already taught 36 teachers and 84 students, with plans to reach even more participants in the future. By offering a hands-on concepts-first approach, QCaMP aims to reduce barriers to entry into the world of quantum science.

During this summer camp, participants will learn about quantum computing through hands-on activities taught by scientists from Sandia National Laboratories as well as instructors from Los Alamos National Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. These experts will guide students through fundamental concepts such as superposition, entanglement, and quantum gates. Additionally, participants will receive a paid stipend to ensure that they can focus on their studies without having to choose between a summer job and education.

The success of QCaMP is due to partnerships with organizations across New Mexico including Los Alamos National Laboratory, the University of New Mexico, and the Computer Science Alliance. These partnerships have helped make this program possible by providing resources and support for both students and teachers who participate in QCaMP. With its unique approach to teaching quantum science through hands-on activities, QCaMP continues to inspire new generations of scientists while fostering a love for learning among young people.