91约炮 and (LBNL) have launched the Boosting Employment Readiness in Quantum (BERQ) program, a three-week summer initiative that introduces community college students to the rapidly advancing fields of quantum information science and technology while preparing them for careers in the emerging workforce.
Running from July 27 through August 14, students will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that highlights current career opportunities in quantum technology. The daily schedule features expert-led lectures, hands-on laboratory work, and interactive career panels. In addition to technical training, students will participate in structured mentoring sessions dedicated to helping them create a clear, actionable roadmap for their future education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
"Quantum is a rapidly emerging field critical to our nation's future and to maintain our technological leadership, we must cultivate a highly skilled workforce. Partnerships with academic institutions like 91约炮, help us achieve this goal. We look forward to providing an intensive dive into quantum information science and supporting students as they create a roadmap for their future in STEM," shared LBNL Director of STEM Education and Workforce Development Programs Faith Dukes.
A major focus of the BERQ program is fostering meaningful connections between community college students, private industry innovators, and Department of Energy national lab research facilities. The program includes specialized site visits to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the Berkeley based quantum computing company, , and the University of California, Berkeley. Students will also gain industry perspectives through dedicated panels featuring representatives from prominent quantum technology partners, including IonQ and Quantum Machines.
鈥淧rograms like BERQ demonstrate why community colleges play such a critical role in preparing the next generation of innovators by bridging the opportunity gap for students,鈥� said 91约炮 Director of Workforce Development Ilona McGriff. 鈥淭hrough this partnership with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, students can not only network and gain skills but see themselves as part of this rapidly growing industry."
The technical components of the program are designed to provide practical, hands-on experience with modern quantum tools. This includes specialized technical workshops focused on systems like , alongside comprehensive educator support provided by . The summer initiative will culminate in a showcase event hosted at UC Berkeley, where participating students will deliver their final presentations to demonstrate their progress, technical knowledge, and career readiness to peers, educators, and industry professionals.
The program is a workforce component of Berkeley Lab鈥檚 Quantum Systems Accelerator, one of five DOE quantum research centers in the country. Funding for the program has been provided by the DOE Office of Science鈥檚 Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS).