Associated Bank's AI Academy returns with expanded focus on AI, financial literacy and career readiness

Associated Bank (NYSE:ASB) launched the second year of its AI Academy, a summer program for Milwaukee middle and high school students focused on artificial intelligence, financial literacy and digital skills.

Rhea-AI Summary

Associated Bank (NYSE:ASB) launched the second year of its AI Academy, a summer program for Milwaukee middle and high school students focused on artificial intelligence, financial literacy and digital skills. The 2026 program adds flexible, self-paced mobile learning, three differentiated learning journeys, and weekly content modules.

Developed with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and powered by Skillsoft, the academy covers AI fundamentals, data analysis, online safety, ethics and finance. Students earn digital badges, “AB Bucks” incentives and conclude with a Student Pitch Showcase.

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Key Figures

Program year: second year Learning journeys: 3 paths Weekly content duration: 90–120 minutes +1 more

Program year

second year

2026 AI Academy iteration following 2025 pilot

Learning journeys

3 paths

Three learning journeys tailored to AI and financial literacy knowledge levels

Weekly content duration

90–120 minutes

Approximate student engagement time per week during the summer program

Content cadence

Weekly modules

New learning content released each Monday over the summer

Previous AI Reports

1 past event · Latest: Jun 10

Same Type 1 event

1. Jun 10

   AI program launch

   24h Move

   +1.6%

   Launch of first AI Academy pilot focused on youth AI and financial literacy.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analysis, digital badges

4 terms

artificial intelligence technical

"designed to introduce middle school and high school students to artificial intelligence, financial literacy"

Artificial intelligence is the ability of computers and machines to perform tasks that typically require human thinking, such as understanding language, recognizing patterns, or making decisions. For investors, it matters because AI can enhance efficiency, uncover new insights, and enable smarter strategies, potentially impacting the value and performance of companies that develop or utilize this technology.

machine learning technical

"Topics include:What is artificial intelligence and how it worksAI in games, social media and entertainmentMachine learning fundamentals"

Machine learning is a set of computer programs that learn patterns from large amounts of data and improve their predictions or decisions over time, like a recipe that gets better each time it’s adjusted based on taste tests. For investors it matters because these systems can speed up analysis, spot trends or risks humans might miss, automate routine work, and potentially create competitive advantages or cost savings that affect a company’s performance.

View in glossary

data analysis technical

"Topics include:What is artificial intelligence and how it worksAI in games, social media and entertainmentMachine learning fundamentalsData analysis and predictive thinking"

Data analysis is the process of collecting, cleaning and examining numbers and facts to find patterns, trends or meaningful signals. For investors, it turns raw information — like sales figures, clinical results or market prices — into clearer insights about a company’s performance or risks, much like sorting receipts and balances to understand where your money is going and whether a plan is working.

digital badges technical

"Participants will earn digital badges and achievements as they progress through the program"

Digital badges are verified electronic credentials given to people, products, or organizations to show completion of training, certification, or meeting a defined standard. They act like a visible sticker on a résumé or a quality label on a product, signaling skill, compliance or trust; widespread use can reduce operational or regulatory risk, strengthen reputation, and suggest a potential competitive or financial benefit to investors.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Expanded program helps students build essential technology, financial and workforce skills through flexible, self-paced learning

MILWAUKEE, July 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) ("Associated") today announced the launch of the second year of its AI Academy, an innovative summer learning program designed to introduce middle school and high school students to artificial intelligence, financial literacy and digital skills. Building on insights gained from a successful pilot program in 2025, the academy will offer a more flexible, self-paced learning experience for students.

Developed by Associated Bank in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and powered by Skillsoft, the program equips students with foundational knowledge of artificial intelligence while helping them understand how technology is shaping the future of work, finance and everyday life.

Student recruitment began the week of June 22 at numerous Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee locations, like Davis, Daniels-Mardak, Fitzsimonds, Hillside and Mary Ryan. Learning content began June 29.

"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. "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."

The 2026 AI Academy features three learning journeys designed to meet students where they are in their understanding of artificial intelligence and financial literacy. Participants will complete self-assessment that places them into the learning path best suited to their current knowledge level. Students will complete one journey during the summer, progressing through weekly content modules released each Monday.

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

Content is delivered through short, interactive modules that students can access anytime and anywhere using mobile-friendly technology. Depending on the learning level, students will engage with approximately 90 minutes to two hours of content each week.

"The evolution of this year's program reflects what we learned from students and families during our pilot," said Williams. "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."

Associated AI and HR experts collaborated with Skillsoft to customize learning tracks and ensure age-appropriate content for middle school learners. An experienced educator also reviewed the curriculum to confirm alignment with student learning needs and developmental stages.

Participants will earn digital badges and achievements as they progress through the program and will continue to receive "AB Bucks" incentives for completing coursework, skill gains, engaging in optional content and participating in a pitch event at the academy's conclusion. The program will culminate in a "Student Pitch Showcase" event later this year, providing participants with an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.

ABOUT ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP

Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) has total assets of approximately $50 billion and is the largest bank holding company based in Wisconsin. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Associated is a leading Midwest banking franchise, offering a full range of financial products and services from over 200 banking locations throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska. The Company also operates loan production offices in Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Texas. Associated Bank, N.A. is an Equal Housing Lender, Equal Opportunity Lender and Member FDIC. More information about Associated Banc-Corp is available at www.associatedbank.com.

Media Contact: Andrea Kozek
Vice President | Senior Manager, Public Relations
920-491-7518 | Andrea.Kozek@associatedbank.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/associated-banks-ai-academy-returns-with-expanded-focus-on-ai-financial-literacy-and-career-readiness-302816170.html

SOURCE Associated Banc-Corp

FAQ

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What is Associated Bank's 2026 AI Academy (NYSE:ASB) and who is it for?

Associated Bank's 2026 AI Academy is a summer learning program for middle and high school students in Milwaukee. According to Associated Bank, it introduces participants to artificial intelligence, financial literacy and digital skills through short, mobile-friendly modules delivered in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee.

When does the 2026 AI Academy from Associated Bank (ASB) start and how long does it run?

Student recruitment for Associated Bank's 2026 AI Academy began the week of June 22, with learning content starting June 29. According to Associated Bank, students complete one learning journey over the summer, progressing through weekly content modules released each Monday on a self-paced basis.

What topics are covered in Associated Bank's 2026 AI Academy (ASB)?

The 2026 AI Academy covers AI basics, machine learning fundamentals, AI in games and social media, data analysis, financial literacy and budget awareness. According to Associated Bank, it also addresses AI's role in finance and business, online safety, digital responsibility and ethical considerations surrounding AI.

How is the learning structured in Associated Bank's 2026 AI Academy (NYSE:ASB)?

Students in the AI Academy first complete a self-assessment that places them into one of three learning journeys. According to Associated Bank, they then access 90 minutes to two hours of interactive, mobile-friendly content weekly, released each Monday and available anytime for flexible, self-paced learning.

What incentives do students receive in Associated Bank's 2026 AI Academy (ASB)?

Participants earn digital badges and achievements as they progress through AI Academy coursework. According to Associated Bank, students also receive “AB Bucks” incentives for completing modules, demonstrating skill gains, engaging with optional content, and participating in a final Student Pitch Showcase event later in the year.

Which organizations partner on Associated Bank's 2026 AI Academy (NYSE:ASB)?

Associated Bank developed the AI Academy with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and learning provider Skillsoft. According to Associated Bank, in-house AI and HR experts collaborated with Skillsoft to customize age-appropriate tracks, and an experienced educator reviewed the curriculum for student developmental alignment.