Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative Launches TN QuantumWorks K-12 Quantum Education Initiative in Tennessee

The Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative announced the launch of TN QuantumWorks, a K–12 quantum technology and career awareness initiative developed by Dr. Dane and Sheila Boyington of Thinking Media. Supported by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the program will pilot in Hamilton County Schools before expanding across Tennessee. Officials describe it as one of the nation’s first comprehensive K-12 quantum technology and career awareness initiatives, with the Collaborative serving as state awardee and initiative lead to coordinate partnerships and long-term integration with the region’s quantum ecosystem.

Age-Appropriate Curriculum Design

TN QuantumWorks introduces quantum concepts through hands-on, age-appropriate learning. Elementary students build curiosity via discovery activities. Middle school students explore concepts such as qubits and superposition while beginning to think differently about information and computing. High school students investigate quantum applications, algorithms, and careers, with advanced students writing quantum programs and interacting with real quantum computers. The curriculum supports teachers and meets students at their current level, aiming to spark awareness rather than produce quantum physicists. Students will also gain exposure to commercially available quantum equipment at the EPB Quantum Center, which houses an IonQ Forte Enterprise system as part of the nation’s first facility offering commercial access to both quantum computing and quantum networking resources. Local educators have already completed quantum training through Sandia National Laboratories.

Ecosystem Integration and Workforce Pathways

The initiative completes an education-to-workforce pathway in a region already building quantum infrastructure. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will connect participants to higher education and research pathways, including undergraduate and graduate quantum programs, research opportunities, and certificates. Chattanooga State is incorporating quantum concepts into technical coursework. EPB and Vanderbilt University plan the Institute for Quantum Innovation for research, innovation, and graduate-level education. The Collaborative already administers the nation’s first quantum pre-apprenticeship program. Officials note that quantum technologies are projected to generate substantial economic value across healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, finance, energy, national security, and artificial intelligence, positioning Tennessee students for emerging opportunities through early exposure and clear pathways from classroom to industry.

Bottom Line

TN QuantumWorks creates a scalable K-12 quantum education model that links Tennessee classrooms to higher education and commercial quantum resources.

Find out more here.

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