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HARRISBURG, Pa. –   Harrisburg University is blazing a trail in the quantum computing world, and it has broadened its reach to introduce a younger generation to what is widely considered the future of computational science.

The University launched its Quantum Computing Academy (QCA) in June to teach students how to program a quantum computer, but more importantly and more broadly, so students learn how to problem solve in a very different way.

The Academy, headed by HU eBusiness, Cybersecurity, and Quantum Computing Professor, Dr. Terrill Frantz, offered 100 hours of quantum computing classes during the summer. A new set of sessions will begin in October. The sessions will be held twice weekly during the afternoon.

The Academy is open to anyone between the ages of 12 and 24, but later could be available to a wider age group, because interestingly, Frantz said some parents are asking to join with their kids as they see the QCA as a bonding and learning opportunity for children and parents.

Plus, quantum computers have the potential to revolutionize computation by making certain types of classically intractable problems solvable.

“The global demand for quantum computing at all levels is growing rapidly,” Frantz said.  “The U.S. government last month awarded $600 million to five universities to develop quantum computing courses for pre-college students – along with some requirements for university course as well.”

HU is an ideal hub for quantum computing education, because the University is small, nimble and provides an environment for exploring new and innovative ideas – HU consistently sets itself apart from the traditional STEM university because of its drive to experiment and take intelligent risks, Frantz said.

Last spring, HU introduced three, 3-credit graduate-level quantum information science courses. And this fall, the University began offering a Quantum Information Science concentration within its Next Generation Technologies Master’s Degree program this semester.

HU recognized early that quantum computing is poised to flip the computing world upside down. And the University’s dive into quantum computing has been noticed.

“HU is making serious waves in this strategic STEM field, globally; just as the HU Storm (Esports team) is providing national recognition to HU, our quantum activities are giving the school impressive attention internationally,” Frantz said. “Last Summer, our quantum program had pre-college students attending the program from California and Florida – a first for our Summer programs!”

For more information and to register for the Harrisburg University Quantum Computing Academy, visit this link.

About Harrisburg University 

Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Harrisburg University is a private nonprofit university offering bachelor and graduate degree programs in science, technology, and math fields to a diverse student body. For more information on the University’s affordable demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, call 717.901.5146 or email, Connect@HarrisburgU.edu.

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