Morgan State University Secures $1.05M Grant to Equip Students for FinTech Revolution’s Forefront

Morgan State University National FinTech Center has secured extended financial support from Ripple, a leading company dedicated to pioneering crypto solutions.

On May 14, the Baltimore-based Historically Black College and University (HBCU) proudly announced the receipt of a substantial three-year grant totaling $1,050,000 from Ripple.

This infusion of funds marks a pivotal moment for the center, signaling a renewed commitment to advancing blockchain and fintech research, education, and programming.

According to a press release, the grant will be instrumental in bolstering various facets of the center’s operations, including faculty and student projects, ecosystem development, educational workshops, and the establishment of a fintech solution incubator.

Dr. Ali Emdad, the founding director of the National Center for the Study of Blockchain and FinTech, expressed gratitude for Ripple’s investment, emphasizing its transformative impact on the educational landscape.

“This generous $1,050,000 grant is not just an investment; it’s a catalyst that propels our ability to innovate, collaborate, and prepare our students to be at the forefront of the FinTech revolution,” remarked Dr. Emdad.

“The ongoing partnership with Ripple stands as a beacon, illuminating the path toward a transformative educational experience that aligns with the evolving landscape of the global economy.”

Ripple’s engagement with Morgan State University traces back to 2019 when the company initially invested in the university’s FinTech Center through its University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI).

The renewal of this grant underscores Ripple’s commitment to fostering inclusion within fintech for HBCUs, affirming its dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders in the field.

Lauren Weymouth, Senior Director of University Partnerships at Ripple, underscored the significance of collaborating with academic institutions like Morgan State University to shape the future of finance through blockchain technology.

“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,” Weymouth affirmed.

“As crypto and blockchain integrate further into our daily lives, these university partnerships become absolutely essential – we’re empowering the next generation with the tools they need to shape our financial future.”

The National FinTech Center serves not only as a hub for Morgan State University but also for students and faculty across all HBCUs, providing invaluable resources and support to develop expertise in various areas of fintech, including blockchain, cybersecurity, payment systems, and entrepreneurship.