By
Chimamanda U. Martha
April 17th, 2024
The program will run for 12 weeks, from June 22 to September 7. It will consist of a series of online and in-person classes, with a focus on Bitcoin (BTC).
Jack Dorsey, the former CEO of and co-founder of Twitter Inc (NYSE: TWTR) and the founder of Block Inc (NYSE: SQ), has teamed up with rapper Shawn Carter (known as Jay-Z) to launch The Bitcoin Academy. This program will provide blockchain education and empower the community with knowledge of cryptos for residents of the Marcy Houses, a public housing complex in Brooklyn, New York, where Jay-Z grew up.
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
The program will run for 12 weeks, from June 22 to September 7. It will consist of a series of online and in-person classes, with a focus on Bitcoin (BTC). The classes will take place twice per week. Notably, the participants of The Bitcoin Academy will also get MiFi devices and a one-year limited data plan, as well as smartphones if needed.
Dorsey and Jay-Z are funding The Bitcoin Academy out of their own pockets.
Notably, there will also be an option for kids aged between 5 and 17. They will be able to join the “Crypto Kids Camp” on two Saturdays during the program.
Jack Dorsey stated:
“Bitcoin is becoming a critical tool for many in Africa and Central and South America. We believe the same potential exists within communities in the U.S. Our goal is to prove that making powerful tools more available to people enables them to build greater independence.”
He further added:
“Education is where we start. This isn’t just about bitcoin…it’s about long-term thinking, local economies, and self-confidence. Courses are free to all Marcy residents, including kids. And to make it even easier we’re providing devices and data plans for all who need it.”
Black Bitcoin Billionaire Founder Lamar Wilson and Najah J. Roberts, founder of the first African-American and woman-owned crypto exchange and education center in the US, will teach the classes.
Jay-Z and Jack Dorsey to Promote Crypto-Future
The Bitcoin Academy is not the first time Jay-Z and Jack Dorsey partnered with the aim to promote a Bitcoin and crypto-based future.
Last year, Jack Dorsey’s Block acquired Jay-Z’s Tidal, the global music and entertainment platform that brings fans and artists together through unique music, content, and experiences. In return, Jay-Z got a seat on Block’s board of directors. The deal was targeted at promoting non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Besides, Dorsey and Jay-Z also launched an endowment in 2021 to fund Bitcoin development in Africa and India. Jay-Z has also invested in blockchain start-up Alchemy, which has powered a number of web3 giants including the NFT marketplace OpenSea.