South Carolina Quantum (SCQ) today unveiled a collaboration with The National Quantum Literacy Network Incorporated (NQLN) aimed at providing a pioneering e-learning platform in quantum literacy education using micro-credentials. By providing quantum literacy tools in this emerging field, SC Quantum is helping build a strong foundation for a skilled, quantum-ready workforce for South Carolina’s leading employers.
Working hand in hand with NQLN, this collaboration will involve assessing the status of Quantum Literacy Education within select South Carolina schools, crafting an impactful curriculum targeting students in grades 8 to 12; designing modules for an effective e-learning experience and tailoring the curriculum with an emphasis on Next Generation Science Standards for the certification process championed by both NQLN and SCQ's leadership.
In announcing the project, Joe Queenan, Executive Director of SC Quantum, shared his excitement in being part of the NQLN network. "Collaborating with NQLN's experts in quantum literacy and education will help South Carolina build the workforce of tomorrow," he remarked. Queenan detailed the initiative's benefits, highlighting its role in equipping South Carolina's high school students for success. "This endeavor will not only grant our students an edge in the professional arena but also foster complex problem-solving skills, and nurture an entrepreneurial mindset." Queenan further elaborated on the broader impact, emphasizing that such an educational foundation is poised to draw industry attention and persuade tech talent to anchor their businesses in South Carolina, thereby securing a prosperous economic future for all South Carolinians.
Commenting on the collaboration, Lily Milliner, NLQN’s Board President, remarked, "Our journey—from the inception of the National Quantum Literacy Network, originally sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) 2020 Convergence Accelerator cohort—has led to the establishment of the NQLN as a nonprofit organization. Building a quantum literate workforce for the nation is a national education, security, economic, and science imperative to advance quantum literacy education. By engaging students to meet emerging quantum literacy expectations, particularly from under-resourced and underrepresented communities, we aim to close the quantum workforce supply chain gap for all individuals to access and gain awareness of the Second Quantum Revolution. Through this innovative collaboration between SCQ and NQLN, we can amplify our impact and drive meaningful change in quantum literacy education and workforce development for South Carolina and the nation.”
DeAndre B. Wells, Sgt. US Army (Ret.), a NQLN National Advisory Board member, expressed his excitement: "I'm thrilled to be part of the transformative work by NQLN and SCQ in quantum literacy education. This initiative empowers students, fosters innovation, and drives economic growth in South Carolina."
For more information on SCQ:
South Carolina Quantum (SC Quantum), a 501(c)(3), was established in 2022 in Columbia, South Carolina to champion the bold advancement of quantum talent and technologies in South Carolina. SC Quantum promotes
collaboration among academia, entrepreneurs, industry, and government and to inspire discoveries that transform South Carolina’s economy. After a $15 million grant from the state of South Carolina in 2023, SC Quantum quickly grew interest from global technology partners interested in engaging with students and academics across the state. https://scquantum.org/
For more information on NQLN:
The National Quantum Literacy Network (NQLN) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, based in the Washington DC region, with representatives both nationally and globally. It represents a broad coalition of businesses, government agencies, entrepreneurs, academic institutions, and other nonprofits. The mission of the NQLN is to raise awareness, develop new skills, and build a quantum-ready and literate workforce through greater participation from historically underserved communities in the Second Quantum Revolution. The NQLN aims to fill a critical gap in the quantum workforce supply chain by engaging students from K-16 and beyond, including those from under-resourced and underrepresented communities.
