Dive into Quantum Computing Summer Programs for High School Students

Why Explore Quantum Computing in High School?

Quantum computing is a rapidly developing technology that is shaping fields like AI, cryptography, and materials science. Although the idea of a quantum computer was first proposed in the 1980s, a suite of recent breakthroughs in hardware and software research have enabled scientists and engineers to begin bringing theory into practice.

Quantum computers use quantum bits to represent combinations of ones and zeros simultaneously (when managed correctly), as opposed to today’s computers, which use binary electrical signals. Although quantum computing is still in its relative infancy compared to binary computing, researchers expect it to outperform binary as early as 2030. Not surprisingly, the demand for quantum computing experts is exploding, making early exposure valuable. High school students with an interest in computer science and mathematics can gain a competitive edge by learning quantum concepts early and by participating in scientific research and mentorship programs.

Top 3 Quantum Computing Summer Programs for High School Students

1. QCaMP (Quantum, Computing, Mathematics, & Physics)

What You'll Learn: QCaMP is an in-person quantum computing camp for high school students in the Bay Area (California), Albuquerque, Gallup, and Santa Fe (NM). Participants receive a broad introduction to computer fundamentals, quantum mechanics, and quantum circuits. Topics covered during the one-week program include classical computing, statistics and probability, photon polarization, the double slit experiment, quantum superposition, and more. You’ll also get hands-on experience working with and programming on a real quantum computer. Classes and discussions are led by active quantum researchers at Sandia National Laboratories, Berkeley Labs, and other leading institutions. The only prerequisites to apply are an understanding of algebra and an eagerness to learn!

Learn more: QCaMP website

2. Quantum Quickstart — University of Chicago

What You'll Learn: Quantum Quickstart is a one-week residential program through the University of Chicago. It is open to current 9th and 10th grade students who are at least 14 years old. The program introduces students to quantum mechanics from several angles, including quantum physics (e.g. quantum entanglement), quantum computing (including quantum algorithms), quantum engineering, and more. Participants will attend lectures from University of Chicago faculty members, tour world-class lab facilities, and get a glimpse into the world of quantum computing research.

Learn more: Quantum Quickstart

3. Qubit by Qubit

What You'll Learn: Qubit by Qubit, the quantum computing arm of The Coding School, offers multiple programs for students to learn the basics of quantum gates, qubits, and quantum programming. Participants can attend the virtual courses from anywhere, making it simple and easy to enroll. Classes are taught live (not recorded) by Stanford-trained PhDs, and are accompanied by office hours and hands-on quantum coding labs using Python and Qiskit. 

Learn more: Qubit by Qubit

I am in High School Student, and I want to study Quantum Computing. Where Do I Start?

Excited about quantum computing but unsure where to begin? We’ve got you covered this summer! Specialized programs are not the only option for exploring your passion for quantum information science. Here’s a simple roadmap for how high schoolers can get involved in this cutting-edge field:

Master the Fundamentals

High school students interested in quantum computing should focus their academic studies on advanced math and physics courses. Algebra, calculus, linear algebra, classical (Newtonian) physics, and linear algebra are common prerequisite skills for pursuing higher education in quantum computing at the undergraduate level. Additionally, we recommend that students learn the fundamentals of programming in Python, which is the most commonly used language for quantum algorithms libraries (such as Cirq and QuTiP).

Explore Online Resources

Take advantage of the online resources available for learning quantum computing skills! There are a handful of free and open tools that you can use right now to get started with quantum computing. Most of them assume some familiarity with math and programming skills.

• IBM Quantum Platform – A cloud-based quantum computing service that allows you to run quantum code on real quantum computers

• IBM Quantum Learning – A free course on the basics of quantum computing and how to use IBM Quantum Platform

• MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) – Free quantum physics and quantum computation courses.

Join a Research or Mentorship Program

Participating in a research mentorship program like Polygence empowers students to work on individual quantum computing projects with the guidance of PhD-level experts in the field. Our core program connects curious students with top researchers like Ben, one of our research program mentors, who holds a PhD from Stanford and is currently a physicist at a quantum computer startup. The program includes ten rigorous, 1-on-1 sessions guided by the student’s interest and the mentor’s expertise. At the end of the program, students have the opportunity to showcase their individual research outcomes by presenting at the Symposium of Rising Scholars, Polygence’s academic conference. Past Polygence students have learned quantum computing with Python and even built a quantum circuit simulator (check out Anoushka’s impressive symposium presentation). For more inspiration, try out our project idea generator!

Alternatively, students looking for foundational knowledge in a supportive and curious environment should explore Polygence Pods. Pods are beginner-friendly courses designed to introduce students to cutting-edge research topics. Check out our list of upcoming Pods like AI in STEM! 

If you’re thinking about joining Polygence, don’t hesitate to review our college admissions results or to request a meeting with one of our research coaches to learn about their experiences and insights for enhancing your college application.

Take Your Quantum Computing Passion Further with Polygence

Quantum computing is one of the most exciting fields because it is one of the most rapidly growing fields. There are more opportunities than ever for high school students to get involved early and to play a role in shaping the future of technology.

Are you ready to take your quantum computing passion to the next level? Find your quantum advantage with Polygence!