The q-ready: developing the dmvs quantum-ready cybersecurity workforce project will train undergraduate students in quantum cryptography, post-quantum cryptography (PQC), and related career pathways…

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded The Coding School a Cooperative Agreement totaling $300,810.73 under the Science, Technology, Business and/or Education Outreach program (CFDA 11.620) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. The Q-READY project delivers quantum cybersecurity workforce development services to 50 undergraduate students across the Washington, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia region through a hybrid two-phase program. The program combines three weeks of technical training in quantum cryptography and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) with five weeks of mentored research projects or internships with regional industry partners. Curriculum aligns with National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Framework standards and includes career panels, socio-emotional learning, and workforce readiness coaching delivered in collaboration with academic and industry partners.

Expected outcomes include at least 80% of participants advancing to applied internship or research opportunities, with 75% successfully completing placements while demonstrating quantum-secure competencies. Participants are expected to show measurable increases in technical proficiency, career awareness, confidence, and belonging in STEM fields. The program aims to develop a pipeline of quantum-literate cybersecurity talent to meet workforce demands of regional employers, quantum startups, and national security agencies. Project findings and program models will be published through conferences, publications, and public reports to enable replication across additional regions.

Activities

Q-ready will implement a hybrid, two-phase program consisting of a three-week technical training in quantum computing and cybersecurity followed by a five-week mentored research project or internship with regional industry partners. The program will engage academic and industry collaborators to deliver curriculum on quantum cryptography and post-quantum cryptography (PQC), aligned with nice framework standards, while also offering career panels, socio-emotional learning, and workforce readiness coaching.

Expected outcomes

The program will train 50 undergraduates in 2026, with at least 80% advancing to applied internship or research opportunities and 75% successfully completing them, demonstrating quantum-secure competencies. Participants are expected to show measurable increases in technical proficiency, career awareness, confidence, and belonging in stem, while q-ready partners publish findings and models for replication through conferences, publications, and public reports.

Intended beneficiaries

College students from the DMV region will gain early access to quantum cybersecurity skills, mentorship, and career pathways in emerging technologies. Regional employers, quantum startups, and national security agencies will benefit from a growing pipeline of quantum-literate cybersecurity talent trained to meet future-ready workforce demands.

Subrecipient activities

The coding school has allocated $5,000 per internship (5) and $1,600 per mentored research position (25) as subawards. Subaward for CO-PI, john sawyer, university of maryland, college park in the amount of $18,190.60.