Early Quantum Career Immersion Program

Training the next generation of quantum leaders

Virtual Training plus Virtual or Hybrid Mentored Research or Internship
Grades: Undergraduates

Summer 2026 dates announced soon!

2026 Interest form

Support for EQCI is proudly provided, in part, by National Institute of Standards and Technology financial assistance award 70NANB24H313

Program Overview

This first-of-its-kind program brings together undergraduate students interested in quantum cybersecurity. It provides foundational quantum computing skills with an emphasis on cybersecurity applications through intensive training and practical experience while also building essential research and internship skills such as professionalism, communication, and networking. Students will then be mentored by professionals from a range of quantum companies to contribute to real-world quantum cybersecurity projects.

Dates

Training: coming soon!
Internship: coming soon!

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Time

Training: 20 hrs/ week

Internship: 40 hrs/week

Program Components:

Virtual Lecture & Lab for training and skills-building weeks

Hybrid, virtual, or in-person mentored research or internship experience at a partner company

2026 Interest form

After participating in this program:

86%

of students had NO prior quantum computing knowledge.

100%

of students believed they belong in quantum after this program.

98%

of students were interested in pursuing quantum careers after this program.

2026 Interest form

Logistics

Dates

Announced soon

Training will be 5-8 hours/day (inclusive of lecture, lab, small group sessions, and other programming)

Research/Internship is 40 hours/week.

Prerequisites

Completion of an introductory computer science course or have basic fluency in Python programming (variables, functions, loops).

Cost

FREE: This program is free to all accepted students. Students who are placed in research mentorships or internships will be paid a stipend for participation in this summer program.

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply if you:

  • Are currently enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year undergraduate institution.
  • Are authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Reside in state of Maryland
  • AND - Have completed an introductory computer science course or have basic fluency in Python programming (variables, functions, loops).

Details

This program consists of 2-4 weeks of intensive training in the foundations of quantum computing followed by approximately 4-5 weeks of a quantum research or internship experience with one of our host organizations.

The training component of the program will be virtual.

The internship may be virtual, hybrid, or in-person depending on the host organization's preference.

Students will need to reside in Maryland state for the duration of the program regardless of in-person, hybrid, or virtual internship placement.

Application Deadline

Acceptances will be made on a rolling basis until the course reaches capacity. Once to capacity, applications will be closed.

Tech Requirements

Summer programs are instructed live in English virtually during the EST time zone over the dates listed. Students will require access to reliable broadband on a device that is audio and video capable, ideally from a quiet and distraction-free environment. Devices may include computers, laptops, notebooks, and Chromebooks. Students will need to access Zoom and Google Co-lab from their devices to participate fully in the course.

2026 Interest form

Program Benefits

  • Learn the foundations of quantum cybersecurity
  • Develop relationships with mentors from top companies
  • Engage in real-world applications to your field of study
  • Build tangible computer science skills
  • Enhance your professional development skills
  • Increase future internship competitiveness