A partnership with cryptocurrency exchange Kraken will assit the University of Wyoming
in offering students opportunities that lead to careers in one of the world’s fastest-growing
and most exciting industries—cryptocurrency.
Kraken’s gift commitment is for $300,000 over three years, which will launch a multi-year
education effort designed to prepare the next generation for an economy powered by
digital assets.
“This gift from Kraken enables our continued growth in advanced research that sits
at the intersection of security and blockchain,” says Assistant Professor of Computer
Science Dr. Mike Borowczak.
The pledge establishes the Kraken Excellence Fund that benefits UW students studying
cryptocurrency, as well as other students in the state.
“On our 10th anniversary, we’re setting our sights on the future by investing in expanding
access to quality education on Bitcoin and cryptocurrency,” said Jesse Powell, CEO
at Kraken. “We hope the program will capture imaginations and contribute to a better
financial future for Wyoming and for the world.”
Kraken celebrates 10 years this year. It was founded in 2011 and was the first U.S.
crypto firm to receive a state-chartered banking license, as well as one of the first
exchanges to offer spot trading with margin, regulated derivatives, and index services.
It initially offered Bitcoin and Litecoin and now offers at least 72 cryptocurrencies.
This partnership marks Kraken’s largest ever commitment to furthering the study of
Bitcoin and digital asset technologies and represents an expanded presence in Wyoming
following the 2020 launch of Kraken Bank, a regulated Wyoming-based financial services
firm.
This partnership benefits students and educators of all ages. Kraken will offer scholarship
support to Ph.D. students at the University of Wyoming, will collaborate with university
educators to offer free learning opportunities for K–12 students, and will develop
paid professional development opportunities for K–12 teachers.
