Jackson College has proudly announced the receipt of an Advanced Technological Education (ATE) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), amounting to $349,846. This three-year grant will finance the development of the College’s new curriculum and program focused on blockchain education. Jackson College will be the first institution in the region to offer accredited blockchain courses and credentials that qualify for financial aid.
The College plans to create an innovative curriculum that aligns with current industry standards and trends, recruit and retain students interested in blockchain technology, and provide professional development for faculty and community members. This initiative marks a significant milestone for Jackson College, as few community colleges receive NSF awards.
Leadership and Vision
Daniel J. Phelan, President and CEO of Jackson College, expressed his excitement about the College’s first NSF grant, highlighting its historic significance. He emphasized that the development of a blockchain program on campus would greatly benefit students by preparing them for careers in the expanding decentralized network industry. Phelan looked forward to positioning the College at the forefront of this emerging field.
Professors Angela Fonseca and Dianne Hill from the Computer and Information Services department at Jackson College played crucial roles in writing the grant proposal. They received support from various departments across the College and began planning with guidance from FORCCE-ATE, an initiative focused on fortifying cybersecurity and computing through ATE grants. Both professors also became Blockchain Essentials certified through Cornell University, demonstrating their commitment to understanding and implementing blockchain technology.
Understanding Blockchain
Blockchain technology, a novel type of database shared across multiple computers, ensures accuracy through peer ownership and verification. It utilizes public and private keys for access, making any additions to the chain difficult to alter. Initially created for Bitcoin, blockchain has applications beyond cryptocurrencies, offering secure and reliable tracking of orders, payments, and health records. Its global usage is expected to grow significantly in various sectors, including energy, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Angela Fonseca noted that the country and the world are in the early stages of blockchain adoption, comparing its disruptive impact to the growth of the Internet. Blockchain is anticipated to revolutionize business practices in a manner similar to the Internet’s transformative effect.
Several educational institutions and organizations have already adopted blockchain technology. For instance, MIT launched blockchain-based digital diplomas in 2017, providing verifiable and tamper-proof credentials. Other institutions, such as ECPI University and the University of North Texas, have followed suit. Additionally, the State of Illinois created the Illinois Blockchain Initiative to manage birth certificates and human services records, with other states adopting similar measures. Blockchain’s applications extend across many industries, from Amazon’s Managed Blockchain for supply chain management to Walmart’s Food Traceability Initiative for tracking food products, and Deloitte’s use in recording real estate titles and deeds.
Preparing for the Future
With the support of the three-year grant, Jackson College aims to launch its blockchain academic program by 2027. In the meantime, faculty members will work diligently to develop a robust curriculum. The College plans to collaborate with industry partners interested in implementing blockchain technology, designing coursework to support these partnerships, and training technicians to assist with blockchain implementation and management.
The ATE program primarily focuses on educating technicians in high-tech fields that drive the nation’s economy. Since two-year community and technical colleges are the leading sources of technician education in the United States, faculty from these institutions have played pivotal roles in most ATE projects since the program’s inception in 1993.
In summary, Jackson College’s receipt of the NSF grant for blockchain education marks a significant step in advancing technological education in the region. By developing a comprehensive and innovative blockchain curriculum, the College aims to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. This initiative not only enhances the College’s educational offerings but also positions it as a leader in the integration of cutting-edge technology within the academic landscape.