Educational & Community Initiatives

Led by President Andrew Tilmann, the 

Bitcoin Scholarship Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers financial literacy education and $500 Bitcoin scholarships to underprivileged youth, with funds time-locked until age 25 to encourage long-term responsibility.

Mission focuses on breaking financial illiteracy cycles by combining education with capital access for responsible futures. Programs target youth with a 13-year curriculum progressing from basic money concepts to advanced financial literacy. Scholarships promote savings and planning among underprivileged groups.

Led by Tolbyus Shephard, the Altgeld Bitcoin Reserve (ABR) is the first U.S. community-run Bitcoin treasury, established in July 2025 in Chicago's Altgeld Gardens public housing, focused on financial sovereignty for underserved Black communities through Bitcoin accumulation and education.

 Operating as a DAO LLC with 2-of-3 multisig, the mission advances long-term economic resilience via Bitcoin as an inflation hedge and savings vehicle, featuring a 21-year plan to fund community aid such as rent relief and homeownership without asset sales. Educational efforts encompass financial literacy programs, youth mentorship, and local entrepreneurship backing. It earned commendation from Illinois House Resolution HR0446 for financial empowerment effects. 

The IBC Financial Literacy & Bitcoin Education Curriculum is a 16-week beginner course designed to enhance practical financial skills such as budgeting and saving. This course also covers essential topics like Bitcoin's properties, custody solutions, and use cases, including the Lightning Network for SMBs. Participants engage with a variety of materials, including videos, quizzes, and facilitator guides to enrich their learning experience. 

CONTENT FREE TO ALL / 

COHORTS AVAILABLE FOR ALL MEMBERS

The LN for SMBs is a comprehensive guide designed for small and medium-sized businesses to adopt the Lightning Network. It highlights the benefits of fast, low-cost Bitcoin transactions, making it an essential resource for enhancing financial literacy. This guide also provides practical steps and use cases to seamlessly integrate this scalable payment solution into business operations, which is a key topic in many Bitcoin courses.

CONTENT FREE TO ALL / 

COHORTS AVAILABLE FOR FULL NODE MEMBERS