In a groundbreaking move, Cornell University’s College of Arts & Sciences’ Robert S. Harrison College Scholar Program has officially greenlit its first independent Bitcoin-focused study, marking a pivotal moment for cryptocurrency education within the prestigious institution. Alongside this approval, Cornell University has also given the nod to its inaugural Bitcoin club, reflecting the growing significance of digital currencies in academic circles.
Behind these pioneering initiatives is 20-year-old Bitcoin enthusiast and third-year Cornell University student, Ella Hough. Her tireless efforts, spanning over the past 15 months, have culminated in the approval of both the independent Bitcoin-focused study and the establishment of Cornell’s first Bitcoin club. Hough’s dedication to advancing Bitcoin education goes beyond the academic realm; she is the driving force behind Generation Bitcoin (GenB), a non-profit grassroots movement she co-founded to provide educational and career resources related to Bitcoin.
In an exclusive interview with Bitcoin Magazine, Hough expressed her journey’s challenges, stating, “The past 15 months have been a long but incredibly worthwhile road to approval.” She firmly believes that dedicating time and energy to studying Bitcoin is a profoundly meaningful academic pursuit, aligning with the ideals championed by Cornell’s founders. Hough emphasized the founders’ warnings about the dangers of fiat money inflation and their support for developing pathways to transfer knowledge-based and monetary wealth.
The Robert S. Harrison College Scholar Program
The Robert S. Harrison College Scholar Program at Cornell University’s College of Arts & Sciences focuses on outstanding students with interests that transcend disciplinary boundaries. This unique program allows students to craft interdisciplinary majors based on their individual interests, outside of existing established majors. Ella Hough has seized this opportunity to design a Bitcoin-focused study that traverses various disciplines, including Cognitive Science, Philosophy, Anthropology, and Psychology. Her academic journey aims to capture the multifaceted nature of Bitcoin and its profound implications on humanity.
Hough’s honors thesis, due in May 2025, will delve into global Bitcoin adoption and its far-reaching implications. Once completed and defended, her thesis will be prominently displayed at Cornell’s Klarman Hall and preserved in the program’s permanent library. Pending approval from the program director, Hough may even have Bitcoin recognition incorporated into her official credentials.
The Cornell Bitcoin Club
In addition to her academic pursuits, Ella Hough has secured approval for Cornell’s first Bitcoin club. This club will be an integral part of GenB’s Bitcoin Students Network, which aims to create a global network of Bitcoin students and clubs. The club’s objectives include fostering collaboration, promoting education, and connecting students with opportunities and resources within the Bitcoin ecosystem.
The Academic Road Ahead
Ella Hough’s initiatives championed through GenB, are poised to attract more Gen Z participation in the Bitcoin ecosystem. Furthermore, they serve as a blueprint for student-led organizations worldwide, offering a template for replication and learning. Hough’s work is paving the way for future Cornell students to explore the nascent technology of Bitcoin, addressing its increasing implications and importance—from electrifying rural communities through mining to providing financial freedom on a global scale.
As Hough aptly stated in her interview, “There is a humanitarian imperative affecting generations, present and future, to study all aspects of Bitcoin and for students to be validated in their efforts.” She hopes that her groundbreaking initiatives will encourage, empower, and ease the journey for other students to think beyond existing systems and contribute to building a more inclusive, truthful, and honest world.
Without a doubt, there has never been a more opportune time for prospective Cornell students to engage and immerse themselves in the dynamic and evolving realm of Bitcoin. Ella Hough’s pioneering efforts have opened doors for a new wave of exploration and discovery within the academic community, setting the stage for a future where cryptocurrency education is an integral part of higher learning.