On November 28, 2024, the University of the Cordilleras transformed into a vibrant hub of blockchain learning, hosting an impactful in-person workshop titled Getting Started with Blockchain: Guided Learning for Career Impact. The event was organized in collaboration with Sonic Labs, Tribally, and Wild Forest, uniting students eager to unlock the potential of blockchain technology and web3 innovation.

Two Tracks, One Goal: Blockchain Empowerment

The workshop was divided into two distinct tracks, each targeting a different aspect of blockchain learning: foundational knowledge and hands-on technical skill-building.

Track 1: Blockchain Fundamentals and Career Opportunities (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

The morning session kicked off with a lively registration and ingress period, setting the tone for an engaging day of learning. The session was packed with exciting activities, including giveaways that added an element of fun and engagement.

Attendees were privileged to hear from two remarkable speakers:

• Jacob Bueno (Blockchain Student Alliance, Crypto Warriors) introduced participants to the core concepts of blockchain technology, simplifying complex ideas for easy understanding.
• Andrea Pilapil (Blockchain Student Alliance, Bitskwela) highlighted the various career opportunities blockchain education can unlock, sparking interest in potential paths within the web3 ecosystem.

The session also featured interactive Q&A sessions where students got to ask insightful questions, as well as the announcement of giveaway winners. The program wrapped up with a heartfelt closing message and a photo op to commemorate the day.

Track 2: Hands-On Blockchain Development (1:00 PM - 4:30 PM)

The afternoon session, led by Koleen Paunon, took a more technical approach, offering attendees an immersive experience in blockchain development. Koleen’s impressive background — ranging from building decentralized apps (DApps) to contributing to DeFi platforms — ensured participants gained valuable insights into practical applications of blockchain.

The highlight of the session was a hackathon-style workshop on deploying smart contracts using Web IDE (Remix). Students learned the basics of coding for blockchain and explored the real-world applications of smart contracts.

A 20-minute Q&A session allowed participants to engage directly with Koleen, addressing questions about blockchain development and career advice for aspiring developers. The event concluded with a photo opportunity and closing remarks, leaving participants inspired and ready to explore the limitless potential of blockchain technology.

Collaboration for Impact

This workshop was made possible through the dedicated partnership of Sonic Labs, Tribally, and Wild Forest. Their support underscored a shared commitment to equipping the next generation with the tools to thrive in the blockchain and web3 space.

Further, it served as a platform to bridge the knowledge gap in blockchain technology for students. By blending foundational education with practical hands-on training, it equipped participants with both the inspiration and tools to explore career opportunities in web3.

As blockchain continues to revolutionize industries, initiatives like this play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of innovators to thrive in a decentralized future.