Associated Bank launches AI Academy for Milwaukee youth

MILWAUKEE - Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) announced Tuesday the launch of Associated Bank AI Academy, a six-week summer program designed to teach artificial intelligence skills and financial literacy to Milwaukee middle school students.

The pilot program, created in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and Milky Way Tech Hub, will target students in grades six through eight. The curriculum will cover artificial intelligence, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, including instruction in prompt engineering using platforms like ChatGPT and fundamentals of data science.

"This program blends financial literacy with emerging technology to give young minds a head start in understanding how artificial intelligence will shape their ongoing education and future," said Terry L. Williams, chief information officer at Associated Bank, according to the press release.

The program will begin July 7 with a cohort of 15-20 students. Milky Way Tech Hub will facilitate classes with support from Associated Bank employee volunteers at a Boys & Girls Clubs location in Milwaukee.

Students will earn "Associated Bank Bucks" for participation and performance, which can be exchanged for Associated Bank merchandise and other rewards.

Nadiyah Johnson, founder and CEO of Milky Way Tech Hub, described the partnership as embodying "equity, education and empowering future innovators."

The bank indicated plans to expand the program following a successful pilot. Associated Banc-Corp, headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, has total assets of $43 billion and operates nearly 200 banking locations across the Midwest. With a market capitalization of $3.92 billion and a robust dividend yield of 3.89%, the bank has maintained dividend payments for 51 consecutive years, including 13 years of consecutive increases. According to InvestingPro analysis, the stock currently trades near its Fair Value.For investors seeking deeper insights, InvestingPro offers comprehensive analysis of Associated Banc-Corp and 1,400+ other US stocks through detailed Pro Research Reports, transforming complex financial data into actionable intelligence. The bank’s next earnings announcement is scheduled for July 17, 2025.

In other recent news, Associated Banc-Corp reported its first-quarter earnings for 2025, surpassing analyst expectations with an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.59, compared to the forecasted $0.57. The company also experienced a notable rise in net interest income and loan growth, with net interest income increasing by $16 million and total loans growing by $526 million. Analysts from Raymond James and Stephens have adjusted their price targets for Associated Banc-Corp, with Raymond James reducing it to $27 while maintaining an Outperform rating, and Stephens lowering it to $26 while keeping an Equal Weight rating. These revisions come after the company’s restructuring efforts, which have led to improvements in net interest margin and credit trends.

Additionally, Associated Banc-Corp has been undergoing a leadership transition, with Steven Zandpour set to become the new Executive Vice President, Head of Consumer and Business Banking, effective July 1, 2025. This follows David Stein’s announcement of his retirement and transition to the role of Executive Vice President, Strategic Advisor. The bank’s strategic changes include a significant increase in commercial and business bankers, aiming for smarter growth and enhanced customer relationships.

The company’s recent initiatives, such as family banking solutions and a customer conversation model, emphasize a needs-based approach to client relationships. Associated Banc-Corp also confirmed its 2025 guidance, indicating a stable fundamental outlook for the near future. Despite the challenges in the broader market, the bank has managed to maintain a strong capital position, with a common equity tier 1 (CET1) ratio over 10%, which is likely to be utilized for organic growth.

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