October 20-25, 2024

Organized in 1975, the Alabama Banking School (ABS) provides a planned environment for the study of banking tailored to the needs of Alabama banks. The school is sponsored by the Alabama Bankers Association and is governed by a committee. Students are in residence one week each year for the three sessions they attend. During each session, students spend a minimum of 40 hours in the classroom and work on case studies in the evenings. They also take comprehensive final exams and are assigned home study problems between resident sessions. These problems must be completed satisfactorily for students to return to school and qualify for graduation.

Purpose

The course of study is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of its participants in banking and related areas. The school’s curriculum provides broad exposure to banking topics and issues. The program culminates during the last year in an activity that allows students to run their own virtual bank through a computer-based bank simulation called BankExec. BankExec participants will graduate with a well-rounded understanding of the cause-and-effect relationship resulting from each decision made in their effort to run a profitable bank.

Home Study

The time in residence at the Alabama Banking School is only a portion of the overall curriculum of the school. Students must successfully complete three home study problems between terms. Home study problems must be received on or before a specified due date. Applicants should consider this aspect of the school to ensure they will be able to devote the necessary time outside the classroom.

Attendance

Students must attend all assigned classes during the resident session and complete the required work; first and second-term students must participate in final examination while graduating seniors present final BankExec results to a panel of judges.

Facilities

The Alabama Banking School is held at The Renaissance Hotel in downtown Montgomery. All classrooms are held in the hotels conference center equipped with state of the art audio visual equipment. Students will have access to the hotel’s fitness center open 24/7 and outdoor pool.

Admissions

An applicant for admission to the Alabama Banking School must meet one of the following criteria:

  • be an employee of a commercial bank or other approved financial institution
  • a staff member of the Alabama State Banking Department, FDIC, Federal Reserve, or Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
  • or, employee of an associate member of the Alabama Bankers Association.

Applicants must be high school graduates and should have two years of banking experience prior to attending their first session. Two years or more of college education may be substituted for one year of banking experience. Familiarity with basic accounting is highly desirable.

The admission policy of the Alabama Banking School assures equal opportunity for all qualified persons without regard to race, religion, sex, color, national origin, age or handicap. Employees of non-member banks may attend for an additional fee on a space available basis.

 

Testimonials

  “Alabama Banking School was more than an educational program, the friendships and family network was an experience that will last a lifetime. The relationships and knowledge obtained from banking school has helped mold me into a “well rounded” banker within my professional career and community.”   
Nick Rockhill, Bank Independent

“Banking School offered many opportunities, some I expected and some I did not. The experience helps me to be a better employee because now I understand some of the reasons behind decisions, policies and procedures. In turn it allows me to have a well-rounded understanding to help customers to know they are being cared for to the best of my ability. Another opportunity was the network that I was able to develop with the classmates, teachers and faculty. Having resources in other areas that are facing the same challenges and issues; then knowing that we can turn to each other for help and encouragement is very helpful. What I did not expect in those short 18 days was to truly see those classmates and class directors (aka Mom and Dad) become family. Banking school is one experience I would not change for anything.”   
Rebekah Cobb, Peoples Bank of Alabama