Tennessee Launches K-12 Quantum Education Program Through TN QuantumWorks
Insider Brief
- The Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative launched TN QuantumWorks, a K–12 quantum education initiative designed to introduce students to quantum technologies and career pathways.
- The programme will initially be piloted in Hamilton County Schools before expanding across Tennessee through partnerships with education, government, and industry organizations.
- TN QuantumWorks will provide age-appropriate quantum learning experiences ranging from introductory concepts to programming and access to quantum computing resources.
Press release – As quantum technology reshapes industries ranging from cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing to healthcare, logistics, finance, energy and artificial intelligence, Tennessee is taking a bold step to prepare its future workforce.
Today, the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative (CQC) announced the launch of TN QuantumWorks, a K–12 quantum technology and career awareness initiative developed by nationally-recognized education and workforce innovators Dr. Dane and Sheila Boyington of Thinking Media. The initiative will be piloted in Hamilton County Schools before expanding across Tennessee.
Supported by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, TN QuantumWorks is one of the nation’s first comprehensive K-12 quantum technology and career awareness initiatives. As the state awardee and initiative lead, CQC is coordinating partnerships, implementation and long-term integration with Chattanooga‘s rapidly growing quantum ecosystem.
“Preparing students for careers that don’t yet fully exist requires visionary partnerships,” said Commissioner Deniece Thomas of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. “TN QuantumWorks connects education directly to workforce development and positions Tennessee to compete in one of the world’s fastest-growing technology sectors. The Department is excited to support an innovative project that builds Tennessee’s future workforce.”
“Quantum technology represents one of the greatest economic opportunities of our generation,” said Charlie Brock, CEO of the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative. “Communities that prepare students today will lead tomorrow’s workforce. TN QuantumWorks gives Tennessee a head start by building a pathway that carries students from K–12 through higher education and into industry.”
Hamilton County Schools will serve as the pilot district. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) will connect the initiative to higher education and research pathways. Students will also have exposure to real-world commercially available quantum equipment at EPB Quantum Center℠.
“TN QuantumWorks gives our teachers and students the opportunity to explore one of the world’s most exciting technologies in a way that is engaging, accessible and connected to future careers,” said Dr. Justin Robertson, Superintendent of Hamilton County Schools. “This initiative inspires curiosity while helping students see themselves as the innovators who will shape tomorrow’s economy.”
Building Quantum Awareness from Kindergarten Through High School
The TN QuantumWorks curriculum introduces quantum concepts through age-appropriate, hands-on learning. Elementary students build curiosity through discovery activities, middle school students explore concepts such as qubits and superposition, and high school students investigate quantum applications, algorithms and careers, with advanced students having opportunities to write quantum programs and interact with real quantum computers.
“Just as computer science became essential over the past generation, quantum literacy will become increasingly important during the next,” said Sheila Boyington, CEO of Thinking Media. “Our goal isn’t to turn every student into a quantum physicist. It’s to spark curiosity, build awareness and help students discover exciting careers they may never have imagined. Every student deserves the opportunity to understand technologies that will shape their future.”
“The curriculum is designed to meet students where they are and support teachers,” said Dr. Dane Boyington, Chief Technology Officer of Thinking Media. “Kindergarten students explore quantum ideas through games and discovery. Middle school students begin thinking differently about information and computing. High school students can progress all the way to writing quantum programs and interacting with quantum computers. We’re building a complete educational pathway—not just a lesson plan.”
Chattanooga’s Growing Quantum Ecosystem
TN QuantumWorks builds on Chattanooga‘s emergence as one of America’s leading quantum innovation communities. The region is home to EPB Quantum Center, the nation’s first quantum technology center to provide commercial access to both quantum computing and quantum networking resources including an IonQ Forte Enterprise quantum computer. In addition, EPB and Vanderbilt University have plans to open the Institute for Quantum Innovation, a center for research, innovation and graduate-level education in quantum and related fields. UTC offers undergraduate and graduate quantum programs, research opportunities and certificates, Chattanooga State is introducing quantum concepts into technical coursework, CQC administers the nation’s first quantum pre-apprenticeship program, and local teachers have completed quantum educator training through Sandia National Laboratories. TN QuantumWorks completes this education-to-workforce pathway by adding K–12 quantum learning.
“At UTC, we believe our responsibility is not only to prepare students for today’s workforce, but to help shape the workforce of tomorrow,” said UTC Chancellor Dr. Lori Mann Bruce. “TN QuantumWorks creates opportunities for students to begin exploring quantum concepts early, building confidence and curiosity that can carry them from K–12 into higher education and high-demand careers. By connecting our schools, university, industry and community partners, we’re strengthening Chattanooga‘s leadership in quantum innovation while expanding opportunities for the next generation.”
“Chattanooga’s role as an emerging quantum technology hub directly benefits our community by creating workforce development opportunities that position today’s students to become industry leaders in the future” said Janet Rehberg, EPB President and CEO-Elect. “Because of Chattanooga’s quantum infrastructure, students won’t simply read about this emerging technology; they will see it firsthand.”
Preparing Tennessee’s Future Workforce
Quantum technologies are expected to create trillions of dollars in economic value over the coming decades across healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, finance, energy, national security and artificial intelligence. TN QuantumWorks is designed to help prepare Tennessee students for those opportunities.
“Tennessee has an opportunity to lead—not follow—in quantum education,” said State Senator Bo Watson. “By introducing students to these concepts early, we’re investing in the innovators, entrepreneurs and workforce that will power our state’s economy for decades.”
“One of Chattanooga’s core strengths is radical collaboration,” said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. “Together, we’re building a competitive regional economy and quantum is a critical part of our strategy to grow the knowledge economy in Chattanooga. TN QuantumWorks will ensure we have the workforce to take advantage of this opportunity.”
“Hamilton County is proud to lead the launch of a model for K-12 quantum education that can be replicated across Tennessee,” said Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp. “We’re creating clear pathways from the classroom to careers of the future, and this initiative aligns perfectly with the vision for the downtown Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Center.”
Together, the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative, Thinking Media, Hamilton County Schools, UTC, EPB and the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development are creating one of the nation’s first comprehensive K–12 quantum education pathways, positioning Tennessee as a national leader in preparing students for the quantum economy.