University of Maryland Hosts Essential ‘Cryptocurrency 101’ Workshop for Social Workers on March 11
By Perplexity News Staff
BALTIMORE – As digital currencies increasingly intersect with everyday financial challenges faced by vulnerable populations, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) School of Social Work is stepping up with a timely educational initiative. On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the university will host “Cryptocurrency 101 for Social Workers: Understanding Digital Money in Real-World Practice,” a virtual workshop designed to equip social workers with the knowledge needed to navigate this evolving landscape.[1]
The one-hour session, scheduled from 12:00 to 1:00 PM EST, promises a jargon-free introduction to cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, focusing on practical applications in social work. Participants will explore how clients encounter crypto through income sources, scams, online purchases, remittances, and financial stress. The workshop addresses both the beneficial and harmful aspects, debunking common myths and providing tools to identify fraud, exploitation, and financial vulnerabilities.[1]
Bridging the Gap Between Digital Finance and Social Services
Cryptocurrency has transitioned from a niche speculation to a mainstream financial tool, yet many professionals in helping fields remain unfamiliar with its mechanics. “Cryptocurrency is no longer a fringe topic—it’s becoming part of everyday life for many clients,” states the event announcement from UMB’s Elm publication. Social workers, often on the front lines of economic hardship, will gain foundational knowledge of key terminology, operational basics, and ethical implications.[1]
By session’s end, attendees will be prepared for informed conversations about digital assets, enhancing their ability to educate clients and support engagement with emerging financial systems. This is particularly relevant amid rising crypto-related scams targeting low-income and immigrant communities, where remittances via blockchain are common but risky without proper guidance.[1]
The workshop aligns with broader efforts at UMB’s School of Social Work, which has long emphasized financial literacy. The institution’s Financial Social Work Initiative (FSWI), supported by partners like the CASH Campaign of Maryland, promotes evidence-based practices to address financial issues among clients. CASH Campaign representatives serve on the FSWI Steering Committee and contribute to research on practitioner-client interactions in economic justice.[2]
Expert Instructor with Proven Track Record
Leading the workshop is Sue Rogan, founder of SR Consulting, a firm dedicated to bolstering financial empowerment programs for mission-driven organizations. Rogan’s extensive experience includes 16 years as Director of Strategic Partnerships at the CASH Campaign of Maryland, where she spearheaded statewide initiatives, built coalitions, and developed financial education reaching thousands of families.[1]
Her background positions her uniquely to translate complex crypto concepts into actionable insights for social workers. Under Rogan’s guidance, participants can expect discussions on real-world scenarios, such as advising clients on secure crypto use for remittances or spotting investment fraud red flags.[1]
Part of UMB’s Growing Focus on Financial Innovation
This event reflects UMB’s expanding engagement with cryptocurrency education across disciplines. While tailored for social workers, it echoes prior university efforts, including a 2022 virtual panel “Demystifying Cryptocurrency” hosted for alumni, featuring experts from UMB’s Francis King Carey School of Law and industry leaders like Coinbase counsel Sonia Siddiqui.[4]
The School of Social Work’s continuing education catalog lists numerous 2026 sessions on financial topics, underscoring a commitment to professional development in economic wellness. Nearby offerings include workshops on health insurance and family financial strategies, available both live and on-demand with Category I CE credits.[5]
Broader UMB curricula also delve into crypto. The Francis King Carey School of Law offers a course on “Cryptocurrencies,” examining regulatory frameworks, from federal enforcement gaps to state schemes and EU guidelines. It covers the technology behind the one-trillion-dollar market and Justice Department prosecutions.[6]
Even at the College Park campus, a Spring 2025 elective, “Blockchain and Cryptocurrency,” introduces undergraduates to Bitcoin fundamentals and applications, restricted to select business fellows.[3]
Free Virtual Access and Registration Urged
Registration for the March 11 workshop is open via a dedicated link, with social workers encouraged to sign up promptly to secure their spot. The virtual format ensures accessibility for practitioners statewide and beyond.[1]
This initiative arrives at a pivotal moment. With cryptocurrency adoption surging—fueled by global remittances and decentralized finance—social workers are increasingly encountering clients affected by crypto volatility, hacks, or predatory schemes. Equipping them with “Cryptocurrency 101” knowledge fosters not just client protection but also empowerment in navigating modern economies.
UMB’s proactive stance positions the School of Social Work as a leader in integrating fintech literacy into professional training, potentially setting a model for other institutions. As digital assets permeate social services, such workshops bridge critical knowledge gaps, ensuring practitioners can advocate effectively in an increasingly cashless world.
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