In 2019 three non-profit organizations collaborated for an in-person Youth Blockchain + AI Conference & Hackathon, bringing virtual learning – webinars and e-learning courses- within reach to students in underserved communities. We learned that not only our young attendees, but also their parents, diverse professionals, entrepreneurs and other lifelong learners, were engaged, inspired and curious about emerging technologies such as blockchain, AI and in-demand 21st century human skills.
In 2020 Covid19 changed our original plans for an in-person event. We pivoted to a 100% virtual educational experience raising awareness and funds to put a dent in the widening digital divide invariably impacting low income families globally according to the OECD. We galvanized efforts in 5 countries – the U.S., The Bahamas, The Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Turks & Caicos Islands – getting over 300 data enabled devices to students and families in low income communities during lockdown.
Our call to action: Bring virtual education within reach to our new digital learners and the world! Those same devices also gave students a head start for remote learning in the new school year with many of them continuing the online courses and participating in cohorts, entrepreneurial programmes, virtual conferences and more!
We are excited by our 2021 programme, a roadmap comprising 4 initiatives:
- Plug-in to Local Coding Academies in our participating countries, “Nodes”.
- Future of Work Workshops
- Blockchain Hodl – online courses and interactive educational sessions -.
- 3 Day Conference on Blockchain and other emerging and innovative technologies.
That’s it!
Thank you for allowing us to share our journey…….