The world is changing rapidly, as are the skills needed to succeed. With the rise of cryptocurrencies, cyber warfare, and artificial intelligence, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals in these areas. However, traditional education systems are not equipped to provide the necessary training for these emerging fields.
With over 15 years of experience training young people, I have taught computer literacy in Africa and appeared on American public television as a ‘BizKid$’ teacher. My passion for technology education and entrepreneurship inspired me to create FastestKid.org. This training ground equips young people with the skills and knowledge to become the next generation of technologists and entrepreneurs.
Through my experience volunteering with organizations such as the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship and BUILD, I have developed a unique curriculum that combines classroom learning, hands-on workshops, and competitive aptitude tournaments to help young people thrive in the fast-paced world of technology.
Fastest Kid on the Blockchain is an annual event series. In 2022, we led the first classroom at Howard University Middle School. In 2023, the second classroom launched at Florida International University. Shortly thereafter, I partnered with the University of Wyoming Center for Blockchain and Digital Innovation to focus on implementing a 12-module curriculum, funded by the American Rescue Plan, in Title 1 communities.
In the Future: An Aspirational Vision
The superstar student-athletes of tomorrow proudly wear team apparel embedded with computer chips. The days of shooting digital rifles and driving monster e-trucks are long gone. Esports now has a new guiding star for discovering the brightest talents ready to lead the economy into new frontiers.
The fastest kid on each city block is no longer the quick-footed sprinter but the speedy brainiac solving larger-than-life problems. Corporate recruiters visit the homes of the fastest kids, offering them the latest iCar and enticing them to sign smart contracts for work.
“I’ll accept on one condition. After I solve your problem, I’d like the company to invest in my idea,” says the fastest kid.
The recruiter amends the smart contract, and the fastest kid signs by tapping the computer chip on their sleeve to the company tablet. A split second later, 1% of the signing bonus is automatically distributed to the fastest kid’s teammates who helped them train to become the superstar they are today. This kid owns their data and identity; they’re designing and creating their own future.
The following day, at after-school training, a fellow teammate asks the fastest kid for tips on improving their block explorer search skills. The fastest kid replies, “Next time you’re at a Fastest Kid on the Blockchain tournament, ask one of the corporations about their mentorship opportunities. My mentor is a venture philanthropist with a 5% ownership stake in all my smart contracts for work over the next ten years. It’s the best investment I’ve ever made. Their knowledge and insights have elevated my game and my digital wallet.”
