A Free Curriculum and Training Program for Out-of-School Time (OST) Educators in Montana! 

In 2024, Montana State University's Science Math Resource Center, in collaboration with the National Girls Collaborative Project  launched QuantumClub, a project of QCORE funded by the US Air Force Research Laboratory. The curriculum is designed to introduce youth aged 11-14 to quantum science and technology-related concepts and careers in an accessible, hands-on way, featuring collaborative learning, discussions, and hands-on projects. QuantumClub aims to spark students’ interest in quantum-related STEM topics, expose them to quantum-related careers, and foster their STEM identity. Quantum is a growing field in which scientists and engineers learn about and maximize the properties of extremely small particles, which can support everything from agriculture and healthcare to transportation and national security. 

SMRC is recruiting five Montana sites to host QuantumClub as a part of the 2026/2027 Cohort. Read the details below and fill out the form to apply! Preferred application deadline: Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.

Program Details:

Selected sites will be expected to implement at least ten (10) hours of QuantumClub curriculum between November 2026 and May 2027.

We encourage you to adapt the curriculum to your existing programming models. Noprior quantum science knowledge, special technology, or experience is necessary to lead this program! 

Target Audience: 

QuantumClub is designed for middle school, self-identifying girls, and gender-expansive youth in various OST settings, including afterschool programs, museums, camps, and clubs. It is adaptable for co-ed settings. 

Implementation Requirements: 

  • Attend a 2-hour virtual training on October 20, 2026, from 3:00-5:00 PM Mountain Time
  • Begin recruiting students by November 1, 2026 and complete 10 hrs of curriculum time by May 30, 2027.
  • Reach at least ten self-identifying girls/gender-expansive youth. 
  • Participate in a focus group in May 2027 (TBD)*. 
  • Complete a post-program survey.

*Program dates are subject to change based on educator availability. Scheduling conflicts will not affect your application.

How to Apply:

Visit this form to apply and email QuantumEducation@montana.edu for any questions.

2025 Cohort:

  • American Computer and Robotics Museum, Bozeman 
  • Headwaters Academy, Bozeman 
  • Quantum Strategix, Belt 
  • Choteau Elementary School, Choteau
  • Boys and Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation, Ronan 
  • Bench Elementary School, Billings 

2024 Cohort:

  • Boys and Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation
  • Boys and Girls Club of the MonDak
  • ExplorationWorks
  • Soft Landing Missoula
  • Monforton School Afterschool Program

We hosted a free national Webinar about QuantumGirls on that included insights from our educators. Watch the recording and learn more about the program.