A student team from SUNY Broome Community College has advanced to the final round of the 2026 Community College Innovation Challenge with a hands-on quantum education project. Their portable laser and polarization experiment kit is designed to teach core principles of photonics and quantum technology without requiring advanced mathematics, making it accessible for high school and college classrooms as well as workforce training programs. The project, titled 'Hands-On Quantum Education,' aims to bridge the gap in quantum literacy and prepare students for careers in emerging tech fields.

Guided by faculty mentor Robert Lofthouse and supported by Syracuse University’s Mo Hasanovic, the team developed both the experimental hardware and a full laboratory manual. Their approach combines practical experimentation with curriculum design, targeting a broader audience than traditional quantum courses, which typically require upper-level university math. The kit’s affordability and portability could help expand access to quantum education, especially in under-resourced schools and community colleges.

As part of their CCIC preparation, the students are conducting interviews with potential users, including high school physics teachers, college professors, and industry representatives. Their work not only advances science education but also gives them real-world experience in entrepreneurship, presentation, and leadership. This is SUNY Broome’s first time participating in the national competition, marking a significant milestone for the college’s STEM programs.