USEQIP: Outcomes and experiences from 17 years of undergraduate summer schools in experimental quantum information science

TL;DR

This paper reviews 17 years of the USEQIP summer school, highlighting its structure, impact on students' careers, and contributions to training the next generation in quantum information science.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the program's evolution, impact, and outcomes, emphasizing experiential learning and community building in quantum education.

Findings

Alumni have made significant contributions to quantum research.

Hands-on activities have been refined over many iterations.

The program fosters a sense of belonging and career development in quantum science.

Abstract

To grow the quantum information science and technology workforce, opportunities for students to gain experiential learning and build a sense of belonging in the broader community are essential. The Undergraduate School on Experimental Quantum Information Processing (USEQIP) is a two-week summer school for undergraduate students that has been held since 2009 with the goal of introducing undergraduate students from around the world to the tools of quantum information research, paired with a summer internship program. Here we report on the structure, impact, and outlook of the program, including hands-on laboratory activities refined over many iterations of the program. We highlight the career trajectories of program alumni, many of whom have made significant contributions to the quantum field.