Renowned New York hip-hop icon and music producer, Jay-Z, has teamed up with Jack Dorsey, the creator of Cash App, to introduce “The Bitcoin Academy,” an educational initiative advocating for the empowering belief that “education equals power.”
Exclusive to residents of the Marcy Project public housing complex in New York City, the program will kick off on June 22 and continue until Sept. 7, offering both in-person and online participation options. This free educational program aims to improve access to financial knowledge and foster inclusive opportunities.
Led by instructors Lamar Wilson from Black Bitcoin Billionaire and Najah J. Roberts from Crypto Blockchain Plug, specific lesson details are currently limited, but are expected to cover topics such as the importance, utility, and future vision of Bitcoin, as well as general financial literacy.
Additionally, children aged five to 17 are encouraged to join the “Crypto Kids Camp” during two Saturday events, while adult participants will receive a portable WiFi hotspot device, a one-year limited data plan, and a smartphone if needed.
Mr @sc and I are funding The #Bitcoin Academy, a program for residents of Marcy Houses in Brooklyn, New York where Jay grew up, designed in collaboration with @CryptoPlug3 and @BlkBTCBillions: https://t.co/hKfq1jqii7
— jack (@jack) June 9, 2022
Dorsey shared that he was inspired by the positive impacts of Bitcoin initiatives benefiting select African and Central and South American populations. He mentioned that the primary objective is “to demonstrate that providing powerful tools to people allows them to achieve greater independence.”
To address concerns about bias or excessive focus on the dominant cryptocurrency, Dorsey clarified that the program seeks to extend beyond Bitcoin teachings to encompass discussions on “long-term planning, local economies, and self-assurance.”
Related: Jack Dorsey on UBI: Bitcoin encourages transparency, long-term thinking
Both Dorsey and Jay-Z, known by his birth name Shawn Carter, are prominent voices in the cryptocurrency and Web3 realm. Dorsey has been instrumental in promoting crypto through Block and Cash App, while Carter is recognized for his CryptoPunk avatar and advocacy for artistic independence on the blockchain.
The duo co-owns a multi-million-dollar music label called Tidal, which expressed an interest in integrating nonfungible tokens (NFTs) into its streaming platform last year.
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