§19261 Quantum Networking and Communications

Summary

The Director of the National Science Foundation must hire the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine within 180 days after August 9, 2022 to study the quantum information science workforce and give recommendations. The study must describe who counts as a qualified quantum worker and how big and varied the workforce is, identify near- and long-term workforce needs across government, schools, and industry (including what degrees or courses are needed), look at education and training at all levels and any gaps (K–12 access and teacher training, career retraining, and higher education lab and cross-discipline programs), and recommend ways to build a diverse and lasting workforce. The National Academies must send a report on the results to Congress and the Director no later than two years after August 9, 2022. Within one year after August 9, 2022, the Director must give competitive awards to colleges, nonprofits, or groups of them to run the “Next Generation Quantum Leaders Pilot Program” to teach students and train teachers in basic quantum mechanics. Awardees must work with K–12 schools and State education agencies and are encouraged to coordinate with educational service agencies and Q–12 partnerships. Grant money may be used to test and share age-appropriate curricula, support hands-on and informal learning, create student pathways to quantum careers, train teachers, and other related activities. The program must try to reach many areas and include students from groups underrepresented in STEM. The Director must consult the QIS Workforce Working Group and the Advancing Informal STEM Learning Program. A report to Congress is due four years after August 9, 2022 assessing results and, if the program works, a plan to integrate or expand it. Up to $8,000,000 is authorized for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2026. The pilot program ends four years after August 9, 2022. Definitions: Director = Director of the National Science Foundation. Appropriate committees of Congress = as defined in section 8801 of title 15. Q2Work Program = the Foundation’s Q2Work Program.