Student Team Uses AI and Financial Literacy to Reimagine Banking for Young Adults

                                                                                                                                                 By Adyson Saunders

Alabama A&M University students showcased their creativity, business knowledge and problem-solving skills at the Regions Bank of Ideas Challenge at Regions Field in Birmingham, earning top honors against rival Alabama State University ahead of the 85th Magic City Classic.

The competition challenged students to develop solutions that would help Regions Bank connect with younger customers while promoting financial literacy and responsible money management.

The winning team, Bulldog Boys, included Ahmad Harris, a freshman finance major from Atlanta; Cameron Culbreath, a freshman finance major from Philadelphia; Tyler Dailey, a sophomore finance major from Mobile, Alabama; Eric Wilson, a senior accounting major from Phenix City, Alabama; and Ayoola Akinlawon, a senior accounting major from Lagos, Nigeria.

Their proposal focused on making banking more accessible and engaging for young adults through technology, artificial intelligence and interactive financial education.

The app concept included low-balance alerts, personalized financial guidance and tools to help users make informed decisions about spending and saving. Students also explored using agentic artificial intelligence, personalized avatars and gamification features to encourage users to develop stronger financial habits.

Another proposed feature, called “Lifepath,” would allow students to set personalized savings goals and adjust them as their financial needs change. Whether preparing for emergencies, future expenses or major purchases, users could track their progress while building financial independence.

The students also examined financial challenges facing college students and student-athletes, emphasizing the importance of developing budgeting and savings habits early.

Beyond the technology, the competition required students to consider the business potential of their ideas. Presentations addressed target audiences, budgets, customer engagement and potential returns on investment, giving participants experience developing solutions that could benefit both customers and financial institutions.

The students also explored ways Regions could build lasting relationships with younger customers as they transition from college to careers and relocate to new communities.

For their winning presentation, Bulldog Boys earned an all-expenses-paid trip to Birmingham for the 85th Magic City Classic on Saturday, Oct. 31. The students also will be featured on the Regions Bank float during the Magic City Classic Parade, celebrating their achievement as part of one of the state's most anticipated HBCU traditions.

Three additional AAMU students participated in the competition: Zizwe Mtonga, a senior computer science major from Lusaka, Zambia; Thabo Traore, a senior computer science major; and Daniel Lambo, a senior computer science major from Lagos, Nigeria.

The experience gave students an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge, collaborate across disciplines and present innovative solutions to real-world business challenges.

Their participation reflects Alabama A&M’s emphasis on experiential learning and preparing students to use technology, financial knowledge and creative thinking to address challenges in an evolving business environment.

Adyson Saunders is a member of Crew 75, Alabama A&M University’s student creative content team.