Building Financial Resilience at HBCUs through Generative AI, FinTech, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity Education

Published in: Proceedings of the 7th National HBCU Blockchain, FinTech, and AI Conference
Conference: 7th National HBCU Blockchain, FinTech, and AI Conference
Conference Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Date of Conference: November 8–10, 2026
Publisher: National Center for the Study of Blockchain and FinTech, Morgan State University

Published: 2026
Publication Type: Full Paper
Pages: 284-299
Paper ID: 14

Author(s)

Weizheng Gao
Department of Business and Technology, Elizabeth City State University

Shanzhen Gao
Reginald F. Lewis College of Business, Virginia State University

Abstract

Financial resilience has become an urgent educational priority as individuals face increasingly complex decisions involving budgeting, debt, credit, retirement planning, digital payments, online fraud, artificial intelligence tools, and rapidly changing financial technologies. Historically Black Colleges and Universities are well-positioned to advance financial security education by integrating financial literacy, FinTech, blockchain, cybersecurity, and generative artificial intelligence into interdisciplinary learning experiences. This paper proposes a human-centered framework for building financial resilience at HBCUs through technology-enhanced financial security education. The framework is organized around six connected pillars: financial foundations, FinTech literacy, blockchain and digital trust, generative AI-supported decision learning, cybersecurity and fraud prevention, and community-centered financial resilience. Using a conceptual design-science methodology, the paper synthesizes literature on financial literacy, digital financial capability, AI risk management, cybersecurity education, and HBCU-centered pedagogical innovation. It also builds on prior work in AI-supported learning, investment decision-making, blockchain education, and human-centered cybersecurity. The paper contributes a scalable curriculum model, sample learning modules, implementation strategies, and assessment measures for HBCU programs in business, computer information systems, cybersecurity, data science, and interdisciplinary fields. The framework positions financial resilience as a lifelong learning outcome and connects HBCU-centered financial education with digital trust, cybersecurity awareness, and responsible use of emerging financial technologies.

Keywords: HBCUs, financial resilience, generative AI, FinTech, blockchain, cybersecurity, financial security education, digital trust

Attachment: View Full PDF