Leveraging Dual Enrollment Programs to Expand Secondary Education in Quantum Computation

As practical quantum computers near fruition and the market for quantum technologies rapidly expands, there is a growing need for a quantum workforce prepared to carry quantum computation into the mainstream. Once primarily the domain of researchers and theoreticians, there has been a steady expansion of quantum information science into undergraduate coursework to build the requisite expertise in optics, computer science, engineering, and materials science that will be needed in the quantum industries of the near future. In order to better prepare students for post-secondary quantum coursework, it is important to scale up quantum education at the secondary level. This article details the work done at The University of Texas at Austin to pilot the first full-year high school course in optics-based quantum computing and to transition the course to a dual-enrollment model under the OnRamps distance education umbrella at The University of Texas at Austin in which college-aligned content is delivered to high schools across the state. Within this program, we are laying the groundwork for reaching a greater number of underrepresented students and improving participation in STEM fields through a unique combination of innovative pedagogy, technological-enhancement, and continuing professional development to deepen the expertise of high school teachers that deliver quantum computing coursework.