Associated Bank today announced the second year of its AI Academy, a summer learning program for middle and high school students that blends artificial intelligence education with financial literacy and career readiness. The Milwaukee-based bank is expanding the initiative after a 2025 pilot, offering a self-paced, mobile-friendly curriculum developed with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and corporate learning company Skillsoft. The move reflects a growing effort among financial institutions to introduce AI and finance skills early, aiming to build a future talent pipeline.
Student recruitment began the week of June 22 at multiple Boys & Girls Clubs locations across Milwaukee, including Davis, Daniels-Mardak, Fitzsimonds, Hillside and Mary Ryan. Learning content went live on June 29, with students engaging weekly through interactive modules accessible on any device.
"Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the world around us, and we believe students should have opportunities to develop the skills and understanding needed to navigate that future," said Terry Williams, executive vice president and chief information officer at Associated Bank. "The success of last year's pilot reinforced the importance of creating accessible, engaging learning experiences that help students explore emerging technologies while also building financial confidence and critical thinking skills."
Program structure offers flexibility
The 2026 AI Academy features three learning journeys that match students to content based on a self-assessment of their current knowledge. Each participant completes one journey during the summer, with new modules released every Monday. Weekly time commitments range from 90 minutes to two hours, depending on the learning level.
"By creating an on-demand experience, we're giving participants greater flexibility while maintaining a structured learning journey that encourages continued engagement throughout the summer," Williams said.
Curriculum spans AI basics to financial literacy
The program covers a range of topics designed to build both technical and financial acumen. Content is delivered through short, interactive modules tailored for middle school learners and reviewed by an experienced educator to ensure age-appropriate delivery.
Topics include:
- What is artificial intelligence and how it works
- AI in games, social media and entertainment
- Machine learning fundamentals
- Data analysis and predictive thinking
- Financial literacy and budget awareness
- AI's role in finance and business
- Online safety and digital responsibility
- Ethical considerations surrounding AI
The curriculum covers AI's role in finance and business, areas where structured AI for Finance Courses can deepen understanding for professionals already in the field.
Incentives and final showcase
Participants earn digital badges and achievements as they progress. They also receive "AB Bucks" incentives for completing coursework, demonstrating skill gains, engaging with optional content, and participating in a pitch event. The program culminates in a "Student Pitch Showcase" later this year, giving students a platform to present what they learned.
Why this matters for finance professionals
Associated Bank's investment in early AI education signals that financial institutions see AI literacy as a foundational skill for future workers. For finance professionals, the program's focus on AI's role in business and budgeting illustrates how the technology is already reshaping everyday financial tasks. Understanding applications such as fraud detection, risk modeling, and personalized banking can set professionals apart, and structured AI for finance courses offer a path to build that expertise within their own careers.
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