Empowering the Future of Finance: FinTech Innovation at Bowie State

Bowie State University students are driving innovation in financial technology through hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning with real-world impact. Under the guidance of Dr. Andrew Mangle, associate professor in the College of Business, students are building the skills, confidence and vision to lead in a technology-driven economy. 

Dr. Mangle’s work began more than three years ago through a partnership with the Interledger Foundation, an organization dedicated to advancing open payment systems and digital financial inclusion. Recognizing the opportunity to empower underbanked communities through technology, he introduced Bowie State students to an emerging and high-impact field. 

“I wanted them not only to learn the technology but to see themselves as innovators and contributors in shaping the future of finance,” Mangle said. 

What began as a few workshops has grown into a movement connecting HBCU students across the country through “FinTech $prints,” hackathons and conferences that turn learning into real-world impact.

“Each event helps students apply classroom knowledge, regardless of major, to challenges in financial technology, data and cybersecurity,” Mangle said. “We’re showing that HBCUs can be both the talent pipeline and the thought leaders for equitable innovation.” 

These experiences have strengthened student confidence, expanded career pathways and demonstrated Bowie State’s leadership in preparing diverse talent for the digital economy. Projects have ranged from community-based microfinance tools to digital wallets and kiosks designed to support unbanked and international students. 

Students describe the FinTech events as career-defining experiences that open doors to internships, professional networks and mentorships. Alumni who once participated now return to speak or recruit at these events, creating a lasting cycle of inspiration. 

“Learning about the underbanked through Interledger has been life-changing, opening my eyes to how finance can be used as a tool for inclusion rather than exclusion,” said Tomisin Laniyi, a business administration major, Interledger Scholar and Interledger Summit 2023 participant. “From programs like ILP Pizza and Me to hands-on projects like TreasuryConnect, I’ve gained both technical knowledge of open payments and real-world experience that continue to shape my academic journey, professional opportunities and entrepreneurial vision.” 

“Learning about the challenges faced by underbanked individuals has shown me how critical trust, accessibility and transparency are in financial systems,” said Andrew Passie, a computer technology major and BSU FinTech $print participant. “Working with open payment systems like the Interledger Protocol gave me insight into how technology can connect people across borders, reduce costs and make digital transactions more inclusive.” 

“My family emigrated from a small rural village in Nigeria, where lack of access to banks forced people to depend on informal systems to save and borrow,” said Chimeziri Onyewu, a finance major and participant in ILP Pizza and Me and the BSU FinTech $print. “Learning and working with open payment technologies showed me how digital systems can remove barriers and create opportunities, allowing even small transactions to flow securely across borders. It inspired me to build solutions that bridge people and systems and help communities like my own.” 

“Open payments, such as the Interledger Protocol, are reshaping how the world moves money, but most importantly, who has access to it,” Mangle said. “For HBCU students, this is a critical moment to be part of that transformation.” 

The Interledger Foundation has supported Bowie State University for more than three years, providing over $180,000 in funding to empower student innovation and advance digital financial inclusion. 

“FinTech is an industry where innovation moves fast and talent can rise quickly,” Mangle said. “By equipping our students with the tools, mindset and network to lead, Bowie State is ensuring they’re not only participants but decision-makers in the digital economy.” 

What’s Next in FinTech at Bowie State 

• FinTech $print at Bowie State University 
  October 24 (open to all students) 
  Students will collaborate on real-world financial inclusion challenges, applying design thinking and teamwork to develop innovative solutions that promote equitable access. 

• Interledger Summit – Mexico City 
  Early November 
  Four Bowie State students and two faculty members will attend this all-expenses-paid global event, supported by the Interledger Foundation. The invitation recognizes Bowie State’s leadership in open payments and financial inclusion across HBCUs. 

Through these initiatives, Bowie State continues to lead as a national model for innovation, access and student success, advancing its vision to empower a new generation of change-makers who shape a more equitable future.