News
Feb 2026: We will open for applications by Feb 15, 2026. UMBC students can apply via the Google Form (TBA), and selected candidates will be invited to apply on the NSF ETAP website.
November 2025: For advanced topics in quantum computing and software engineering, we are proud to announce a new graduate course (IS 764 – Advanced Systems Design) in the spring of 2026.
October 2025: We will start the recruitment for the 2026 summer cohort in Jan/Feb. Stay tuned.
August 2025: We are pleased to share that we have successfully graduated our 2025 AIM-PQC cohort. Sixteen undergraduate students from UMBC and Montgomery College have completed a six-week workshop followed by an eight-week internship with our industry partners (TCecure, CyDeploy, and Technuf). This achievement marks a significant milestone for the program, and we look forward to welcoming our next cohort in summer 2026.
Introduction
The Active and IMmersive learning program for Post-Quantum Cryptography (AIM-PQC) adopts active and experiential learning approaches to provide training in essential knowledge and skills in cybersecurity and quantum cryptography for diverse beginning students in STEM. The program is comprised of 6-week on-ramp workshops followed by 8-week paid internships with companies active in cybersecurity (e.g., Technuf) and a university-based applied research lab (i.e., the EST Lab). For more details, please read our Story.
We are currently recruiting participants! If you are interested in learning the cutting-edge technology of quantum cryptography and gaining hands-on experience at a Maryland-based company, please read the requirements and timelines below before you click “Apply Now”.
Who Can Apply?
📌 Must be registered undergraduate students from UMBC in STEM fields during the summer of 2026 (MC students will be selected separately)
📌 At least 18 years old at the start of the program and eligible to work in the US
📌 Basic programming experience (Python preferred) and cybersecurity knowledge
📌 Never participated in AIM-PQC before
Program Timeline
📅 Application Opens: Feb 15, 2026 (est.)
📅 Application Deadline: Mar 5, 2026 (est.)
📅 Acceptance Notification: Rolling, selected candidates will be invited to apply on NSF ETAP
Online Program: May 18, 2026 — Jun 26, 2026 (6 weeks)
Internships: Jun 15, 2025 — Aug 7, 2026 (tentative, internship may have small overlaps with the workshop)
Why Join?
✅ Hands-On Learning: Industry-based projects, mentoring, and technical skill-building
✅ Career-Boosting: Intern with leading cybersecurity & quantum companies
✅ Financial Support: Stipends at an hourly rate of roughly $38/hour, e.g., a participant who works for 8 weeks and 20 hours/week will receive $6090 (Work formats are flexible and subject to mutual agreement between participants and employers)
More details can be found in our Flyer. or you can
Apply Now (UMBC Students Only)
Tentative Workshop Outline
FAQ
Q: Will the AIM-PQC program be offered recurrently?
- A: Yes, the initial program begins in the summer of 2025 and will continue annually through the summer of 2027.
Q: Are all participants of the workshop automatically eligible for the internships?
- A: Yes, we have coordinated with our industry partners to ensure that all selected workshop participants will receive an internship placement (or a research assistantship in the EST Lab).
If you have further questions, please leave your comments here.
📧 Contact: [leizhang@umbc.edu, lujiec@umbc.edu]