Moguls Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and Jack Dorsey, the former CEO and co-founder of Twitter, have reconvened around education, cryptocurrency, and bridging the digital gap between the affluent and underserved communities.
Jack Patrick Dorsey, a tech pioneer, philanthropist, and billionaire is also the founder and principal of Block (formerly Square). Jay-Z, now with an expansive philanthropic and socio-political background, has teamed up with his fellow billionaire to fund The Bitcoin Academy.
This new, innovative movement targets youth in Jay-Z’s old stomping grounds, Marcy Houses in Brooklyn, New York. The education program is backed by Block and seeks to provide critical schooling on finances and crypto with an emphasis on Bitcoin.
The Bitcoin Academy will offer classes virtually and in-person from June 22 until September 7. The residents of Marcy will get dinner along with their classes, which take place two evenings per week.
MiFi devices and a one-year limited data plan will be doled out to participants. Additionally, those needing a smartphone will be given one.
“Crypto Kids Camp” is programming on two Saturdays for Marcy kids and teens from the ages 5 to 17.
Jay and Jack put up the monies, and their efforts are supported by Block and the Shawn Carter Foundation.
A joint press release offered a mission statement:
Education is power. Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter and Jack Dorsey are funding The Bitcoin Academy, a program for residents of Marcy Houses, in Brooklyn, New York, where Jay grew up. Designed in collaboration with Crypto Blockchain Plug and Black Bitcoin Billionaire, this program aims to provide education and empower the community with knowledge.
The vision for Bitcoin is that it doesn’t have barriers, but lack of access to financial education is a barrier. It’s still hard to use for everyday necessities. Plus, people need devices and data plans.
This program aims to provide education, empower the community with knowledge, and get rid of some of the barriers so that residents can learn more about Bitcoin specifically and finance in general.
The Bitcoin Academy is currently focused on Marcy Houses, but we hope to expand to other neighborhoods soon.
Ms. Gloria Carter, Jay-Z’s mother, said this is another way to create sustainable opportunities for those who are largely blocked from access to financial resources.
“The Shawn Carter Foundation has always been about providing educational access and opening doors of opportunity to underserved communities. No one should be left out or behind,” Ms. Carter said. “We truly appreciate the partnership with Block and Jack Dorsey to bring financial, specifically Bitcoin education to the Marcy residents, where I spent many years raising my family. Everyone should be empowered to make informed financial decisions in order to take care of themselves and their families.”
This movement is an extension of their work with ₿trust, an endowment that hopes to make Bitcoin the chief currency of the internet. ₿trust was founded last December and focused primarily on Africa and India.
Sample Classes:
- What is Money?
- What is Bartering?
- What is Cryptocurrency?
- What is Blockchain?
- What is Bitcoin Mining?
- How to keep yourself safe from Scammers
- Plus, “Crypto Kids Camp” — 2 Saturdays this summer
Support:
- MiFi hotspots and limited one-year data plan
- Smartphones for those who need one
- Residents may keep devices after the program ends
- A nominal portion of bitcoin for hands-on learning
- Meals served at in-person classes two evenings per week
For more information, go to thebitcoinacademy.com.