CommBank Expands AI Training for 5,000 First Nations Students

CommBank, Microsoft and Deadly Coders plan to reach 5,000 more First Nations students with AI education in 2026 and 2027, expanding culturally relevant digital learning and teacher support across Australia.

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CommBank), Microsoft and Deadly Coders have partnered to expand artificial intelligence (AI) education for First Nations students across Australia. The collaboration aims to reach an additional 5,000 students during 2026 and 2027, while also helping teachers integrate AI learning into their classrooms.

The initiative builds on the first year of the Deadly Coders programme, which launched in July 2025 during NAIDOC Week. The programme reaches nearly 5,500 students across 32 schools in Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia within 12 months, with a focus on regional and remote communities.

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Deadly Coders delivers technology education designed around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, communities and experiences. Through interactive learning sessions, students explore AI concepts, digital technologies and practical applications using Minecraft Education and online learning resources.

The programme encourages students to understand how technology can address real-world challenges, including environmental conservation, sustainable farming and land management. By connecting digital learning with cultural knowledge and community priorities, the initiative aims to help students build confidence and interest in technology-related careers.

The expanded partnership also introduces a stronger focus on teachers, supporting them in bringing AI education into their own classrooms and extending learning opportunities beyond individual workshops.

CommBank contributes financial support and industry expertise, while Microsoft provides technology platforms and AI learning resources. Deadly Coders leads the culturally grounded educational approach and engagement with schools and communities.

The partnership seeks to strengthen foundational digital capabilities and help young people understand the opportunities emerging across the technology sector. It also aims to make AI education more accessible to students who may face barriers to digital learning, particularly in remote areas.

To mark the expansion, Deadly Coders conducts an app-prototyping hackathon with CommBank's support at Chifley College in Mount Druitt from October 20 to 22, 2026. Students work in teams, apply design-thinking methods and use prototyping tools to develop potential solutions to real-world problems.

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The expansion comes amid growing demand for AI and digital skills across education and employment. Improving access to technology training can help students explore new career options and participate more fully in the digital economy.

Through the partnership, CommBank, Microsoft and Deadly Coders aim to build students' technical confidence while supporting teachers and schools with culturally relevant learning opportunities. The initiative reinforces the importance of inclusive digital education in preparing the next generation for an AI-driven future.