University of Maryland Baltimore Hosts Cryptocurrency 101 Workshop for Social Workers on March 11
Empowering Social Workers in the Digital Financial Era
The workshop, part of UMB’s broader initiative to integrate modern financial literacy into professional development, comes at a time when cryptocurrency adoption is surging worldwide. Social workers, who often assist vulnerable populations navigating complex financial landscapes, stand to benefit significantly from understanding blockchain-based assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. The session will demystify key concepts, including wallets, transactions, risks, and regulatory frameworks, tailored specifically to the unique challenges faced in social work settings.[1]
Organized by the University of Maryland School of Social Work, the event highlights the institution’s commitment to forward-thinking education. “As cryptocurrency becomes more prevalent in everyday transactions and asset storage, social workers need tools to guide clients effectively,” a UMB spokesperson noted. Participants will explore real-world applications, such as helping clients recover lost crypto assets or advising on scams prevalent in low-income communities.
Broader Context: UMB’s Push into Emerging Technologies
This cryptocurrency workshop aligns with UMB’s ongoing efforts to prepare professionals for technological disruptions. Just last year, UMB’s President’s Fellows launched a comprehensive survey and symposium series on generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), examining its benefits and pitfalls in teaching, learning, and research. The March 11 AI symposium featured a hybrid lecture by Chaz P. Arnett, JD, professor at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, on “AI & the New Frontiers of Digital Blackface.” Arnett’s talk delved into how GenAI platforms produce racially charged imagery, raising questions on biases, data privacy, and ethical AI adoption in academia.[1]
The President’s Fellows, including MSW student Raina Crew from the School of Social Work, have been analyzing stakeholder interviews across UMB’s seven schools. Their work, guided by faculty advisor Isabell May, PhD, seeks actionable recommendations for AI integration. A campus-wide survey gathered input from students, faculty, staff, and postdocs to inform university leadership on navigating AI complexities.[1]
Cryptocurrency’s Relevance to Social Work
Cryptocurrency intersects with social work in profound ways. Clients may receive remittances via crypto, hold digital assets as their primary wealth, or fall victim to fraud schemes targeting the unbanked. Maryland’s legislative landscape reflects this growing importance; state records list cryptocurrency among key policy areas alongside biometrics, biotechnology, and workforce development.[4]
In Baltimore, where economic disparities are stark, social workers report increasing encounters with crypto-related issues. The Daily Record has covered related financial news, including partnerships like Notre Dame of Maryland University’s senior living development and legal battles over city records, underscoring the region’s dynamic business environment.[5]
Event Details and Registration
The March 11 workshop is open to social workers, students, and allied professionals. Held in a hybrid format, it allows both in-person attendance at UMB’s Baltimore campus and virtual participation. Registration details are available through the UMB School of Social Work portal. Experts anticipate robust turnout, given the session’s practical focus on case studies and interactive Q&A.
“This workshop is a game-changer for social workers dealing with the realities of digital finance in their daily practice.” – UMB School of Social Work Faculty
University of Maryland’s Leadership in Tech Education
UMB’s initiatives extend beyond cryptocurrency and AI. The University of Maryland system regularly features research roundups on quantum computing, climate awareness, and more, showcasing interdisciplinary innovation.[2] Nearby, the Robert H. Smith School of Business at UMCP hosts AI symposia with leaders from Capital One and Google discussing governance, healthcare applications, and ethical principles.[3]
Organizations like MITRE also contribute to Maryland’s tech ecosystem, partnering on AI ethics and advanced technologies for public good.[6] These efforts position UMB as a leader in preparing professionals for a tech-driven future.
Why This Matters Now
With global crypto market capitalization exceeding trillions and Maryland eyeing fintech regulations, events like Cryptocurrency 101 empower social workers to better serve clients. By fostering financial literacy, UMB addresses equity gaps exacerbated by technological change.
As digital assets evolve, expect more universities to follow UMB’s model, integrating crypto education into human services training. For social workers, March 11 marks a pivotal step toward tech fluency.