Physics & Quantum Computing at Berkeley

Discover the limitless potential of Quantum Computing and the revolution that will shape the future of technology.

Summer program for teens to immerse themselves in the revolutionary technology of quantum computing.

Program Highlights

Learn accessible, yet challenging, introductory material in the fields of physics and quantum computing.

Cover topics such as quantum mechanics, quantum information science and computation, and quantum hardware.

Discover why having a foundational understanding of quantum computing will be important to politicians, public health researchers, and quantum engineers.

Develop skills in quantum computing - the technology of the future!

Residential tuition:
$5,998

Commuter Tuition:
$3,298

Session 1:
June 15, 2025 June 27, 2025

Session 3:
June 29, 2025 July 11, 2025

Session 5:
July 13, 2025 July 25, 2025

Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

Testimonials

"This was one of the most enriching and enjoyable experiences I have ever had over any of my summers. I learned a ton and made so many memories and friendships over the last 2 weeks. I am so sad to leave but I’m happy knowing I had a fulfilling time here!"

Elizabeth S.
"I really enjoyed my Summer Springboard experience! It was such a welcoming environment and I made friends I plan to stay in contact with for years to come. The course load was enough to give me a taste of the college experience, while still allowing for a fun summer."

Rena C.
"Summer Springboard expertly combines the worlds of academia and summer fun."

Taylor R.

Course Overview

Quantum computing – once the stuff of science fiction – is set to transform technology in the next decade. Berkeley is at the forefront of this revolution, recently chosen to lead a multi-university institute dedicated to advancing the field and developing its future workforce.

At its core, quantum computing harnesses quantum mechanics to solve problems far beyond classical computers’ capabilities. Industry giants like IBM, Google, Microsoft and Intel are already developing superconducting quantum processors that promise unprecedented computing power. There are also a wide array of specialized quantum companies, some right here in Berkeley and the Bay Area like Rigetti and Atom Computing that are also pushing technological advances in this field.

This course equips students with essential quantum knowledge and skills, covering fundamental concepts like superposition and entanglement. Through curriculum designed by leading academic and industry experts, students will explore quantum phenomena and real-world applications.

Meet your instructor

Mark Hannum

Session 1

Mark Hannum holds his MS in Applied and Engineering Physics from George Mason University and his BA in Mathematics and Physics. He is an accomplished educator and physicist, and has over 20 years of experience teaching both in high school and at American University. He is an Albert Einstein Distinguished Fellow and is currently directing the Quantum Information and Optics research program at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). With a fervent commitment to advancing science education, Mark has helped expand the access of high school students to Quantum across the country. He served as the K-12 Program Manager at the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT). During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in numerous National Science Foundation (NSF) supported projects, focused on equipping teachers with the expertise to introduce quantum concepts to their students. Notably, Mark Hannum was one of the authors of the Key Concepts for Future Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) learners, and he also contributed to the development of the Key Concepts Physics Frameworks.

Ryan LaRose, PhD

Session 5

Ryan is an Assistant Professor in the Center for Quantum Computing, Science, and Engineering at Michigan State University, previously a Postdoctoral Scientist in the Computational Quantum Science Laboratory at EPFL in Switzerland. During his PhD, he conducted research and software development in quantum computing at Google Quantum AI, Alphabet X, NASA, and IBM. In addition to his research in quantum computing, he is passionate about education and directs a summer camp for high school students from Detroit (Quantum Motor City) along with teaching quantum information science courses and seminars at Michigan State University.

Topics you'll explore

Hands on Learning

Students in this course will work individually and in groups on activities that explain the foundational concepts and differences in classical and quantum computing. In the past, students were tasked with creating a program that could perform basic quantum operations and visualize quantum circuits. They also explored the implications of quantum computing in cryptography.

Course Structure

There are nine 3-hour class sessions over the two-week course. During week one, students have class from 9am-12pm Monday - Friday. During week two, students have class from 9am-12pm Monday through Thursday. Wednesday afternoons of each week are dedicated to students' course-specific academic excursion, guest speaker, or activity.

Career Exploration

Located near Silicon Valley, Berkeley's campus offers students direct access to quantum computing professionals and researchers. Students have toured local industry leaders like Rigetti Computing, a company that designs and manufactures quantum computers, and Berkeley's own Haeffner Trapped Ion Lab, where current Cal graduate researchers shared insights about their work. They've met with QuSecure's COO and Founder to learn about post-quantum cybersecurity solutions, and gained insights from Atom Computing's quantum engineering mentor about scalable quantum computer development.