When they say quilting, do they really mean piecing? and how many "ladies" are we talking? 3 or 10.... even 3 will keep you hopping!
Assuming they will have a machine... these NEW sewers still will need coddling. Of course some might come with only a needle and thread and that's okay too; just ask Jinny Beyer !!!!!
Smitty had a great answer up above as does Deema and MNM...
1. Definitely get to know your machine.
2. Fabric info cotton! grain/selvage vs. diagonal; hue, value & intensity.
3. Tools info incl. rotary cutter, etc.
4. A sampler starting with a one-block (for embroidery or future quilting ??); simple snowball; progressing to two- (rectangular) patch; split-rail; foursquare; etc.... piecing and that 1/4" is practice, practice, practice.
5. By then you'll know who is serious and who still needs help threading the needle....
6. A completed project is a must, but KISS! (Keep It Simple Sweetie!)
7. Something small enough that they can even hand quilt it if that's one of their goals.
Good luck!