Blockchain
Morgan State University FinTech Center Receives $1.05 Million in Continued Support from Blockchain and Crypto Solutions Leader Ripple
The funding renewal reaffirms the collaborative commitment to drive the advancement of Blockchain and FinTech research and education
Baltimore – THE National FinTech Center at Morgan State University announces receipt of a three-year, $1,050,000 grant from Ripple, a leader in enterprise blockchain and cryptographic solutions, for the Center’s continued support and advancement in blockchain and financial technology (FinTech) research, training and programming. This latest round of funding builds first on Ripple’s initial investment in Morgan’s FinTech Center announced in 2019. The partnership between Morgan and Ripple University’s Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) has played a critical role in advancing the application and understanding of blockchain, cryptocurrency, cybersecurity and other FinTech areas within the University and the extensive network of Historically Black Colleges and/or Universities (HBCUs) that partner with the Center.
“This generous $1,050,000 grant is not just an investment; it is a catalyst that fuels our ability to innovate, collaborate, and prepare our students to be at the forefront of the FinTech revolution,” said Ali Emdad, Ph.D., interim dean of the Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management and founding director of the National Center for Blockchain and FinTech Studies. “The ongoing partnership with Ripple represents a beacon, illuminating the path to a transformative educational experience that aligns with the evolving landscape of the global economy.”
For half a decade, Ripple’s UBRI has demonstrated its dedication to creating inclusive opportunities that push the boundaries of educational research and provide a rich learning atmosphere. Ripple reaffirms its commitment to advancing these evolving technologies through philanthropic efforts, research efforts and shared expertise in renewing its partnership with Morgan.
“Ripple’s commitment to working closely with universities like Morgan State and its broad network of HBCUs is rooted in our vision that blockchain technology is a force for good,” said Lauren Weymouth, senior director of university partnerships at Ripple. “As cryptocurrencies and blockchain become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, these university partnerships become absolutely essential: we are giving the next generation the tools they need to shape our financial future.”
The collaboration will ensure the continuation of the National FinTech Center at Morgan State University, focusing on leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain and cryptocurrency to revolutionize the financial and technology sectors. Ripple’s multi-year grant will strengthen research, education, faculty and student technical projects, ecosystem development, and operational support.
Additionally, it will support university research that connects blockchain technology with critical fields such as data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Through the partnership, Morgan will also be able to promote a series of educational workshops, facilitate student-led initiatives within blockchain clubs, support a FinTech solutions incubator and host national conferences to enhance collective understanding of the evolution of the financial sector .
Since its launch in 2018, due in part to Morgan students’ growing interest in cryptoeconomics and blockchain, the Center has served as a hub of the HBCU Blockchain and FinTech network. As a hub, the Center actively engages students and faculty across the network to support innovation and enhance the transfer of knowledge and leadership skills. The FinTech Center is housed within Morgan’s Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management.
Dr. Emdad added: “This partnership is aimed at equipping a new generation of business thinkers and innovators, ensuring they are well-versed in FinTech and blockchain technologies to meet the industry’s upcoming demands.”
Speaking of Morgan
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is Carnegie Classified high search (R2) institution offering more than 150 certificates and academic programs leading to degrees from baccalaureate to doctorate. Like the one in Maryland Preeminent public urban research universityand the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multi-ethnic and multi-racial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are open to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.
About Ripple
Ripple is a leader in enterprise blockchain and crypto solutions, transforming the way the world moves, manages, tokenizes and stores value. Ripple’s business solutions are faster, more transparent, and more cost-effective, solving inefficiencies that have long defined the status quo. And together with partners and the broader developer community, we identify use cases where crypto technology will inspire new business models and create opportunities for more people. With each solution, we are building a more sustainable global economy and planet by increasing access to inclusive and scalable financial systems while leveraging zero-carbon blockchain technology and a green digital asset, XRP. This is how we achieve our mission of creating cryptographic solutions for a world without economic borders.
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Contacts with the media:
Larry Jones OR Dell Jacksonfor Morgan State University PR
443-885-3022
OR
Kailey Medzadourianfor Ripple