Interledger Foundation Collaborates With Bowie State University

Courtesy of Bowie State University

Three students from Bowie State have been named Interledger Student Scholars and will be providing technical, community engagement and community-driven research support to enhance digital open payments and protocols as part of the $150,000 grant awarded to the university last fall by the Interledger Foundation. The initiative is designed to harness the potential of bright, motivated HBCU students in shaping the future of financial technology and digital open payment systems. 

Open payment systems enables connections between financial networks that isn’t limited by currencies or geographical location. The Interledger Network connects financial services  making payments easier, faster and more efficient, increasing access for historically marginalized groups. 

Felicia Ilori, a research scholar pursuing a master’s degree in management information systems, will develop innovative strategies to increase students’ understanding and participation in open payment systems and digital financial literacy programs.   

Tomisin Laniyi, a business management major, will serve as a community engagement scholar responsible for bridging the Interledger community to Bowie State students and increasing implementation of crucial financial concepts contributing to a well-informed and financially literate student population. 

Jonathan Hairston, who is pursuing a master’s degree in information systems, will be the technical consultant scholar supporting Interledger workshops by creating technical materials for students interested in delving into open protocols and payment systems. This includes the development of tutorials, supporting code examples and documentation designed to lower the barrier to entry for students eager to contribute.   

“Interledger Student Scholars embody the HBCU spirit of innovation, leadership, and tenacity, ” said Dr. Andrew Mangle, associate professor in the College of Business. “These students are dedicated to amplifying the open payment and protocols community for other students through awareness and by creating bridges to opportunities that pave the way for substantial and long-term impacts. As the advisor, I am proud and excited to support the scholars. I am confident their efforts will lead to an inclusive, connected, and vibrant digital finance community.” 

The Interledger Foundation is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community of leaders and innovators. By providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities to students from various backgrounds, the foundation ensures a broad range of perspectives and ideas that are brought to the forefront of financial technology innovation.  

“Although our partnership is only in its second year, the students and staff at Bowie State University are already invaluable additions to our growing open-source community,” said Briana Marbury, CEO and President of the Interledger Foundation. “Our goal with this alliance has been to introduce students to the concepts of innovation technology while simultaneously enhancing the potential career paths of exceptional scholars, and we are well on our way to succeed.” 

The Interledger Foundation has funded people and ideas using the Interledger Protocol(ILP) to contribute to an open payments network built on equitable access through the internet. The foundation has awarded over $14 million to supporting projects and 188 grants in over 40 countries.