El Salvador is preparing to introduce a nationwide Bitcoin-focused curriculum across its public school system in 2026, marking a new phase in the country’s experiment with digital asset education.
The initiative, known as Bitcoin Diploma 2.0, is spearheaded by the National Bitcoin Office (ONBTC) and is designed to deepen students’ understanding of money, markets, and digital finance.
The first batch of printed textbooks has already been completed and distributed, according to local reports from Diario El Salvador. Officials say the revised curriculum represents a significant upgrade from earlier efforts to introduce financial literacy in classrooms.
Key Takeaways
- El Salvador will implement Bitcoin Diploma 2.0 across all public schools in 2026, introducing structured lessons on Bitcoin and broader financial literacy.
- The revamped curriculum uses visual tools, real-world case studies, and interactive materials to simplify complex monetary and digital finance concepts.
- The initiative builds on the earlier “What Is Money?” program and reflects continued government backing of Bitcoin despite policy adjustments tied to IMF negotiations.
- The country currently holds about 7,474 BTC in reserves, though recent reserve increases have sparked debate over whether they stem from new purchases or wallet consolidations.
A Nationwide Financial Literacy Push
Bitcoin Diploma 2.0 builds on the earlier “What Is Money?” program, which introduced students to basic monetary concepts and Bitcoin fundamentals. This updated version expands the scope, adding more structured lessons on saving, investing, and how modern financial systems operate.
Stacy Herbert, director of the National Bitcoin Office, described the new curriculum as a major step forward in equipping young Salvadorans with practical financial knowledge.
The revised textbooks rely heavily on visual explanations, case studies, and animations to explain complex topics. Instead of presenting Bitcoin as an isolated subject, the course integrates it into broader discussions about the history of money and the mechanics of markets.
The goal is to ensure students understand not only how Bitcoin works, but also why monetary systems function the way they do.
Officials have confirmed that implementation across all public schools is planned for 2026. The National Bitcoin Office has also expanded its physical presence, opening new learning facilities in Panchimalco, with Apopa next in line.
Bitcoin’s Place in El Salvador’s Policy
The education rollout comes five years after El Salvador became the first country to grant Bitcoin legal tender status alongside the U.S. dollar in 2021, following legislation backed by President Nayib Bukele.
The original policy aimed to improve financial inclusion and attract foreign investment. At one point in 2022, government data suggested that more citizens had downloaded Bitcoin Lightning wallets than held traditional bank accounts, underscoring the scale of the rollout.
However, the policy has not been without controversy. In 2024, under pressure from the International Monetary Fund, the government adjusted aspects of its Bitcoin strategy. While Bitcoin remains legal tender in principle, its mandatory acceptance requirement was softened as part of broader negotiations tied to financial support agreements.
Despite those changes, the government has continued to promote Bitcoin education and maintain a public reserve strategy.
Growing Bitcoin Reserves and Questions
According to the latest publicly available data, El Salvador holds approximately 7,474 BTC in government reserves. That figure represents a small fraction of Bitcoin’s fixed 21 million supply but remains significant for a sovereign state.
In November, the government reportedly acquired around 1,090 BTC during a market dip, signaling continued commitment to its long-term accumulation strategy.
The move drew attention within the crypto industry, particularly given earlier statements from senior finance officials who had said no new Bitcoin purchases had occurred since February of that year.
The IMF later noted that increases in reported reserves may not necessarily reflect fresh market purchases. Instead, some of the growth could be attributed to consolidating Bitcoin from various government-controlled wallets into a single reserve account.
The lack of full transparency around wallet management has fueled debate among analysts. Still, the government has consistently framed its Bitcoin holdings as a strategic reserve aligned with its broader economic agenda.
Education as Long-Term Strategy
Bitcoin Diploma 2.0 signals that El Salvador’s commitment extends beyond treasury management. By embedding financial education into the public school curriculum, the government is positioning Bitcoin as part of the country’s long-term economic identity.
Herbert has emphasized that financial literacy should begin early. The revamped program aims to move beyond basic awareness and instead provide structured, practical knowledge that students can apply in real-world situations.
The approach reflects a broader effort by the National Bitcoin Office to normalize digital asset usage through public engagement. In addition to school programs, the office has expanded its network of training centers across the country.
Whether this educational strategy will translate into measurable economic gains remains to be seen. Adoption metrics, remittance flows, and private-sector uptake will ultimately determine the policy’s long-term impact.
For now, the 2026 nationwide rollout of Bitcoin Diploma 2.0 underscores one thing clearly: El Salvador is not retreating from its Bitcoin experiment. Instead, it is shifting focus toward the next generation—placing financial education at the center of its strategy.”
