Tucson, AZ
Girls are the future of quantum.
This summer, The Coding School’s Qubit by Qubit initiative and the University of Arizona’s Office of Societal Impact are teaming up with Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona to offer the world’s first-ever, free, all-girls quantum computing camp: Quantum Quest. This program is supported by the National Science Foundation award OIA-2134830, which is led by University of Arizona researcher, Dr. Zhenshen Zhang.
During the camp, girls ages 13-18 will explore the fascinating world of quantum computing with unplugged, hands-on activities and exercises 0n-site at Girl Scouts’ facilities. These topics will cover everything from the foundational concepts that make-up the quantum world–entanglement and qubits–to teaching girls how to code real quantum computers. Girls will learn from outstanding researchers from the University of Arizona and hear from STEM role models across the Tucson area, including visitors from the Center for Quantum Networks.
Quantum computing is a rapidly developing field, with potential impacts in nearly every industry: from finance to medical research to chemistry. However, the majority of students will not hear about this field until graduate school. That’s why we’re on a mission to provide early access to quality quantum education and ensure that every high school student, regardless of if they plan to go into a STEM-related field or not, learns quantum computing.
Why We’re On a Mission to Ensure Every High School Student Learns Quantum Computing
“With Qubit by Qubit’s expertise in quantum education, Girl Scout’s expertise in leadership development, and the work of our office to translate the curiosity and expertise of researchers into programs that benefit society, I couldn’t imagine a better partnership. This camp will be one onramp to a broader, more inclusive pathway into Arizona’s high-tech industries,” said Michelle Higgins, Associate Director of the University of Arizona’s Office of Societal Impact.
“It’s critical that girls and women are a part of the second quantum revolution, and through this collaboration, we’re making sure that’s the case, ” said Kiera Peltz, Founder and CEO of The Coding School. “We know early exposure is critical to persistence and interest in STEM in college. We are so proud to partner with the University of Arizona and Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona to open the door for high school girls to explore quantum computing and be equipped with the skills and mentorship they need for the future.”
“Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona is thrilled to host this opportunity to launch young leaders into the exciting world of quantum computing. At Girl Scouts, our job is to champion girl ambition. We know they have the skills and ingenuity to lead in every industry, so we must break down barriers and build pathways to get them there. We’re pleased and proud to join with our partners at the University of Arizona and Qubit by Qubit at The Coding School to fuel the pipeline of tomorrow’s researchers,” said Kristen García-Hernandez, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona.
Students interested in this camp should register here: bit.ly/QxQAZ
For more information about The Coding School’s Qubit by Qubit program visit: qubitbyqubit.org.
About The Coding School: The Coding School (TCS) is a 501(c)(3) tech education nonprofit dedicated to empowering the next generation through computer science education. Founded in 2014, TCS has become a global leader in emerging technology education, teaching over 40,000 students and educators in 125 countries with over 50% of students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. TCS’ flagship program Qubit by Qubit offers a wide-range of first-of-its-kind programming; from classroom workshops to a full-year high school course, Qubit by Qubit has introduced 15,000 students to quantum computing since 2020. Regarded as an international quantum education expert, Qubit by Qubit is partnered with a number of leading academic institutions, companies, and organizations, including IBM Quantum, Google Quantum AI, and the White House’s National Q-12 Education Partnership. To learn more about our organization and programs, visit: www.the-cs.org.
About The University of Arizona Office of Societal Impact:
We believe research impacts the shape of society and society impacts the shape of research. Our goal is to challenge the research enterprise to be more inclusive and to focus on impacts beyond benefits to departments or disciplines. We work to translate the curiosity and expertise of researchers into policies, practices, and programs to benefit society, measuring reach not only in articles published and conferences attended, but in lives touched and improved. Through every step of the research process, we help researchers center real people and their real lives.
About Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona:
Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona is a non-profit organization with services and programs open to all girls ages 5-17 in Southern Arizona. They are one of 112 Girl Scout councils across the nation, privileged to serve nearly 5,000 girls and over 2,000 adult volunteers. In addition to volunteer-led troops, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona has taken a unique approach to reaching more girls through their Staff-Supported Program. As one of only a few councils in the United States implementing this approach, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona reaches girls who may not normally have the opportunity to participate in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Because times have changed and more families in Arizona live in poverty, there are fewer and fewer parents who have the time to volunteer as a leader of a troop. Their council believes it is vitally important to devote resources and time into making the dream of Girl Scouting a reality for more and more girls.
The Coding School Press Contact: Gabbie Meis (gabbie@qubitbyqubit.org)