Associated Bank commits to multi-year sponsorship of MIAD Pre-College program
Students in a MIAD Pre-College photography class
Associated Bank is now the presenting sponsor of MIAD’s popular Pre-College program for high school students. Associated Bank has committed to a multi-year agreement that will support the program and provide scholarships for low-income youth to attend Pre-College.
“Associated Bank is proud to fund MIAD’s Pre-College program to ensure that students in underserved communities are able to pursue their art and design dreams,” said John Utz, Executive Vice President, Head of Corporate Banking and Milwaukee Market President, Associated Bank. “Throughout our 160-year history, Associated Bank has been proud to play an active role in helping our communities grow and prosper.”
This summer, MIAD’s two-week Core Studio Concepts runs July 12 – 23 and the three-week Advanced Studio Concepts takes place July 12 – 30. The majority of classes are being conducted in person with select classes delivered online for a limited number of students.
Altogether, the sessions bring more than 150 high school students to the MIAD campus in Milwaukee’s Third Ward.
“The Pre-College program is important because it can change the trajectory of students’ lives by opening them up to a world of opportunity in the fields of art and design,” said MIAD President Jeff Morin. “Many of the students are able to attend the Pre-College program thanks to scholarship assistance provided by Associated Bank.”
For more than 25 years, MIAD’s Pre-College program has been helping students make the transition from high school to college. The rigorous program provides college-level instruction, exhibition opportunities, development of a portfolio for use in applying to colleges and exposure to career pathways in art and design. Courses cover topics such as animation, graphic design, communication design, fashion branding, illustration, photography, screen printing and more.
News
Fashion students design adaptive clothing for Independence First
For the second year in a row, Fashion and Apparel Design students at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) worked with Independence First to design adaptive clothing tailor-made for two people who use wheelchairs. The project is part of a junior-level Patternmaking & Construction course.
MIAD Values Recognition Award: Nichole Uecker
Nichole Uecker, Student Accessibility Coordinator, received the October 2025 MIAD Values Recognition Award at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD). Nichole’s nominations highlighted her embodiment of MIAD’s Core Values, especially Community, Inclusion and Kindness.
Personal and professional passion inspire Product Design student
When senior Carmen Briones’ mother was diagnosed with breast cancer during Briones’ sophomore year at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), finding a bra that was comfortable with a medical port became an additional challenge. Briones ’26 (Product Design) answered that challenge in her Design for Human Interface class by designing a product that reduces pain while increasing mobility.
Toy design at Squishmallows: MIAD student develops confidence
When she first got the internship offer from Squishmallows at Jazwares, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) senior Melody Frias ’26 (Communication Design and Illustration) thought she was in shock. Months after the internship concluded, Frias still reads that email when she needs a boost.
Collections Spotlight: Helen Hoppin
Not only is the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) home to two formal gallery spaces hosting numerous external exhibitions, the college also boasts its own large collection focusing on work produced by founders and early students.