My First Bitcoin Goes Global, Empowering Educators Worldwide

My First Bitcoin: Empowering Educators Worldwide

Founded in 2021, My First Bitcoin started as a small initiative with just four students. Fast forward four years, and it has grown exponentially, teaching over 27,000 students, creating the world’s first Bitcoin Diploma program in public schools, hosting educators’ unconferences, and establishing a Node Network spanning 50 projects in 27 countries.

The organization is now transitioning from local classrooms to a global movement. Founder John Dennehy’s focus is on empowering educators rather than directly running programs. “We want to help others succeed in their own communities and connect them globally,” Dennehy stated in a note to Bitcoin Magazine.

In a strategic shift, My First Bitcoin is adopting a fully remote structure, closing its office in El Salvador. Local meetups will now be organized by independent collectives using open-source blueprints developed by the organization. My First Bitcoin will continue to develop curricula, create digital platforms, and facilitate connections among educators worldwide.

Dennehy reiterated the organization’s mission of providing independent, impartial Bitcoin education to empower individuals, foster critical thinking, and promote long-term freedom. With a renewed focus on training teachers, sharing resources openly, and supporting community-led projects, My First Bitcoin aims to spark a global movement. Educators, organizers, and Bitcoin advocates are invited to join the network and contribute to expanding access to knowledge worldwide.

Background of My First Bitcoin

Established in August 2021 by John Dennehy, My First Bitcoin (Mi Primer Bitcoin) originated as a grassroots project in El Salvador with a vision to empower individuals through Bitcoin education. Dennehy, a thoughtful and contemplative individual, recognized education as a tool to empower individuals and restore personal agency, particularly in a world where many feel disempowered.

The idea took shape during the COVID-19 pandemic, as Dennehy pondered societal challenges during walks in New York. Believing education held the key to addressing these issues, he initially traveled to Ecuador to educate friends about Bitcoin. However, due to pandemic restrictions, in-person interactions were challenging. Subsequently, Dennehy moved to El Salvador to support the country’s adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender.

In El Salvador, Dennehy formulated the organization’s mission and lesson plans, enlisting students and local teachers. Community leadership was a fundamental principle, with all instructors being Salvadoran to better connect with students. Although the first class had only one participant in a yoga studio, the initiative gained momentum, with five regular students by the end of the first month.

By 2022, My First Bitcoin formalized its curriculum into the Bitcoin Diploma program, comprising ten lessons on monetary systems, Bitcoin basics, wallets, nodes, mining, security, the Lightning Network, and Bitcoin’s future. By the end of the year, 38 high school students in El Salvador had earned their diplomas.

The organization’s impact has since expanded globally. In 2023, Mi Primer Bitcoin launched the Independent Bitcoin Educators Node Network, encompassing over 65 projects in 35 countries. These initiatives, guided by principles of independence, impartiality, community-led approach, Bitcoin focus, and empowerment-driven education, range from circular economies to local meetups.

In May 2025, the nonprofit secured a $1 million grant from Jack Dorsey’s Start Small to scale its global initiatives, including enhancing the Bitcoin Diploma, introductory courses, teacher workshops, and the Online School and Community Hub. Dennehy emphasized the organization’s commitment to independence by refusing government funding and carefully vetting other sources.

As My First Bitcoin evolves into a global movement, its emphasis on empowering educators, sharing resources openly, and supporting community-led projects remains steadfast. Join the network to contribute to expanding access to knowledge and fostering empowerment worldwide.