University of Maryland Offers Cryptocurrency 101 Workshop for Social Workers to Tackle Client Financial Challenges
By Perplexity News Staff
BALTIMORE – As digital currencies weave deeper into everyday financial lives, the University of Maryland is equipping social workers with essential knowledge through a specialized workshop titled “Cryptocurrency 101 for Social Workers: Understanding Digital Money in Real-World Practice.” The virtual session, led by financial empowerment expert Sue Rogan, addresses the growing relevance of cryptocurrency in client interactions, from legitimate income sources to pervasive scams.[1][2]
Cryptocurrency has evolved from a niche speculation to a practical tool influencing clients’ finances. Social workers increasingly encounter it in scenarios like employment payments, online transactions, international remittances, and financial distress. “Cryptocurrency is no longer a fringe topic—it’s becoming part of everyday life for many clients,” states the workshop announcement, emphasizing its dual role as both opportunity and risk.[1]
Workshop Details and Multiple Sessions
The University of Maryland School of Social Work has scheduled this educational program on two dates to accommodate professionals: Wednesday, March 11, 2026, and Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Both sessions run from 12:00 to 1:00 PM EST and are held virtually, making them accessible to practitioners across regions. Registration is available through a dedicated link provided by the university.[1][2]
Participants will receive a jargon-free primer on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Key learning objectives include:
- Foundational mechanics of how cryptocurrency operates.
- Essential terminology and debunking common myths.
- Real-world client encounters, including benefits like remittances and risks such as fraud and exploitation.
- Ethical considerations and practical strategies for client education and red flag identification.[1][2]
“By the end of the workshop, social workers will be better equipped to have informed, confident conversations about digital assets,” the description promises, focusing on empowering professionals without requiring prior technical expertise.[1]
Expert Instructor with Proven Track Record
Guiding the workshop is Sue Rogan, founder of SR Consulting, an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) dedicated to bolstering financial empowerment in mission-driven organizations. Rogan’s extensive background includes 16 years as Director of Strategic Partnerships at the CASH Campaign of Maryland, where she spearheaded statewide initiatives, forged coalitions, and developed financial education programs impacting thousands of families.[1][2]
Her expertise positions her ideally to bridge the gap between complex digital finance and social work practice. Rogan’s work emphasizes practical tools for addressing financial vulnerabilities, a critical need as cryptocurrency-related scams surge. In 2025 alone, reports indicate billions lost to crypto fraud globally, with vulnerable populations disproportionately affected—a trend social workers are on the front lines to combat.
Growing Need in Social Work Practice
The timing of this workshop reflects broader trends in financial social work. Clients increasingly grapple with crypto in diverse contexts: gig economy workers receiving payments in digital assets, immigrants using blockchain for low-cost remittances, or victims ensnared in investment scams promising quick riches. Social workers, often the first to identify financial abuse or stress, need tools to navigate these waters confidently.
This initiative aligns with the University of Maryland’s commitment to practical, cutting-edge training. The institution has a history of demystifying cryptocurrency; a 2022 alumni event featured legal experts from Coinbase and UMB’s law school discussing the technology’s basics and implications.[4] While that event targeted alumni, the current workshop zeroes in on social workers, underscoring the field’s unique client-facing challenges.
Broader Context: Crypto Education Across Maryland Institutions
Maryland’s academic landscape is increasingly attuned to digital assets. Nearby Morgan State University integrates blockchain into curricula, offering students hands-on trading with real funds supported by platforms like Binance.US. These programs aim to foster “educated investors,” a philosophy echoing the social work workshop’s focus on informed decision-making.[3]
Legal and entrepreneurial ecosystems also engage. Attorneys like Brittany Hunsaker, with ties to UMB and cryptocurrency research, highlight regulatory nuances. Student innovators at Loyola University Maryland explore crypto clubs alongside impact investing, blending education with real-world application.[5][6]
Even donation platforms at the University of Maryland encourage cryptocurrency gifts, noting tax advantages like avoiding capital gains on appreciated assets.[7] This multifaceted engagement signals cryptocurrency’s maturation from hype to mainstream utility.
Implications for Clients and Professionals
For social workers, understanding crypto means spotting red flags early—such as unsolicited investment advice or promises of guaranteed returns—and guiding clients toward safe practices. The workshop stresses ethical implications, ensuring professionals can advocate without endorsing volatile assets.
As digital finance proliferates, such training is vital. With no technical prerequisites, it’s designed for immediate applicability, whether assessing financial plans or supporting scam recovery. Rogan’s session promises to transform apprehension into competence, vital as blockchain underpins innovations from secure remittances to decentralized aid distribution.
Call to Action
Social workers interested in building crypto literacy are urged to register promptly via the University of Maryland’s link: ssw195.activehosted.com/f/69. Spaces may fill quickly given the topic’s timeliness.
This workshop exemplifies proactive education amid rapid technological shifts, positioning Maryland social workers at the forefront of financial empowerment.
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