Xavier University of Louisiana Business Students Complete Circle U: Digital Financial Literacy Pilot

NEWS ORLEANS, February 23, 2022 — In partnership with Xavier University of Louisiana, Circle Internet Financial celebrates 55 students who completed Circle’s Circle U: Digital Financial Literacy pilot. The free, comprehensive blockchain-based financial services curriculum was launched via four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as part of a pilot program announced in September 2022.

“At Xavier, we believe in providing students with access to a wide range of content to help them make sound decisions personally and professionally as they develop into distinguished young professionals,” said Dr. Shael Wolfson, assistant professor in Xavier’s Business Administration and Economics department. “Xavier was already working on blockchain projects when Circle U became available, and offering the content to our XCOR 3020 Blockchain, Crypto and Society students was a logical next step in our program’s progression. We are excited to share this content with more students as we move out of the pilot phase.”

Circle U, a component of the Circle Impact pilot program promoting digital financial literacy in underserved and marginalized communities, provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain-based financial services and e-learnings and micro-learnings covering timely topics. The curriculum features seven modules and assessments, tackling fundamental concepts, including the evolution of money; Bitcoin and blockchain technology; Ethereum and tokenization; layers and interoperability; Web3 and applications; policy and regulation; and a Web3 tutorial. Students who complete the Circle U curriculum will have early access to apply for internships and employment with Circle.

“Circle U is greatly beneficial to Xavier students and is a great program not only for business students, but any students interested in learning about cryptocurrency and blockchain,” said Kenson Barnes, a senior at Xavier University of Louisiana studying business management. “I have learned more through Circle U than I would have if I read on my own. The program provides knowledgeable information that allows students to gain hands-on experience.” Circle U is provided as a pilot to HBCUs through Circle Impact, Circle’s initiative to focus on financial inclusion, digital financial literacy and humanitarian aid distribution via blockchain technology. Partnership with HBCUs is critical to expanding access to digital financial literacy and ensuring a more inclusive financial future.

“Xavier University is keenly aware of the importance of providing its students with the critical foundational knowledge provided in Circle U,” said Dante Disparte, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global Policy at Circle. “We’re thrilled that faculty and students at Xavier are extracting value, and we look forward to expanding the pilot to include even more HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions in 2023.”

“As a firm believer in blockchain and cryptocurrency technology, programs like Circle U help African Americans to start having a seat at the table,” said Barnes. “The stock market has been in place for generations, and we could be doing the same to attain generational wealth. The cryptocurrency market is a growing venture and needs more people like us in it."

Xavier Contact:

Regi Reyes

(504) 520-5240 | [email protected]

 Circle U Contact:

Amber Reilly

[email protected]