Over the past few years, I've learned that preparing students for the job market requires more than just classroom lessons and networking tips—it’s about creating targeted, intentional pathways to success. With $55,000 in Interledger funding dedicated to building student opportunities at Bowie State University, I’ve set out to do just that for two students, each taking a unique route into the growing fields of open web payments and digital financial inclusion.

One student is diving into the technical side, developing skills in programming, API integrations, and blockchain infrastructure. The other is embracing the business dimension, focusing on market research, strategy, and the economics of digital inclusion. While their paths differ, the objective is the same: get them employed in roles that align with their talents and the rapidly evolving needs of these industries.

The Technical Track

For the student pursuing a technical career, the focus will be on mastering tools and frameworks essential to the open payments ecosystem, such as Mojaloop, blockchain technologies, and open banking APIs. We’ll pair this technical training with practical experience—building real-world solutions, attending hackathons, and contributing to open-source projects. The biggest challenge here is balancing deep technical expertise with industry certifications that validate their skills.

The Business Track

For the business-focused student, our journey will center on understanding the landscape of financial inclusion, analyzing key players in the space, and developing strong communication and strategic planning skills. Networking with professionals, attending fintech conferences, and crafting tailored case studies will help this student showcase their value to potential employers. The hurdle? Translating academic knowledge into actionable insights that resonate with hiring managers.

Challenges and Tribulations

While the roadmap is clear, the process is anything but linear. From navigating time constraints to managing limited institutional support, there are hurdles we will face together. Documenting these challenges will not only keep us accountable but also provide a transparent look at what it takes to move students from campus to career.

Why Document This Journey?

This blog series is about more than just these two students—it’s about creating a replicable framework that can serve others in the same boat. By sharing what works, what doesn’t, and what we learn along the way, I hope to inspire others to invest deeply in student success, particularly in underrepresented fields like digital financial inclusion.

The Next Steps

In the coming weeks, we’ll define specific milestones for each student, identify mentors, and engage in hands-on projects. I’ll also share updates, reflections, and lessons learned at every stage.

Follow along as we turn ambition into action, tackling real-world challenges and creating tangible opportunities for the next generation of innovators in open web payments and financial inclusion.

Stay tuned for our first milestone check-in, where we’ll dive into the technical and business goals we’ve set—and the first steps we’ve taken to achieve them.