AI Summer Academy
Summer 2026 | August 1 – 15
Communications and Storytelling in the AI Era
In this program we will explore a critical question: How do we tell stories that matter in the age of AI?
Communications leads in cutting-edge techniques and technological advancement. As AI advances, content and storytelling professionals become increasingly vital — crafting public policies, shaping narratives for impact-driven organizations, launching marketing campaigns, and defining brand strategies. With employers seeking professionals who combine technical skills with creative thinking and an ability to constantly learn — the demand for AI literacy among candidates has grown exponentially.
To meet this demand, the 2-week intensive Advanced Learning program is designed by the University of Washington’s award-winning Communication Leadership Master’s Program is ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. Industry-leading faculty and practitioner-experts will teach you to leverage AI alongside fundamental storytelling principles through a holistic approach.
(Application review and decisions take approximately 10 business days.)
Program Highlights:
Overview
We welcome early-career and advanced undergraduate students from all around the world to apply for this advanced learning opportunity that will shape your professional journey.
A strong interest in the field of storytelling and content is highly recommended for full program engagement to your benefit.
Important: Tuition and accommodation costs are separate. Domestic students pay tuition only. International students can access accommodation packages including housing, meals, and administrative support to enhance their U.S. and UW experience.
Key Details
Duration
August 1st – 15th, 2026
Location
University of Washington, Seattle
Cost
Tuition: $2600 (International) $1750 (Domestic)
Accommodation: $1500/$2300*
(Double Room/Single Room)
*accommodation only for intl. students
Certification
Certificate of completion & UW-digital badge
Academy cohort size
Up to 75 participants
For more information, contact:
commleadacademy@uw.edu
Academy Instructors
Your Academy instructors are Communication Leadership faculty and experienced industry leaders. Committed to sharing their knowledge as subject matter experts and their practical expertise in leveraging the latest AI tools and techniques.
Program Modules
The program’s core modules are designed to help students approach generative AI as a collaborative partner, maintaining what makes storytelling powerful—human creativity and critical thinking.
Students will learn to create marketing campaigns, develop research strategies, and responsible AI frameworks through lectures, industry guest speakers, hands-on workshops, and project work.
Module 1
Narrative
+
Automation
Learning Focus:
How can AI manage technical and repetitive storytelling tasks so humans can focus
on creative and strategic work?
Module 2
Human Creativity
+
Responsible Storytelling
Learning Focus:
How do creative constraints spark innovation? What happens when we design within AI’s capabilities?
Module 3
Global Storytelling
+
Local Resonance
Learning Focus:
How do AI-generated stories travel across cultures? What is lost or gained through language, translation, and localization?
Study at the UW
If you are interested in longer-term study at UW, the Communication Leadership Master’s Program offers professional degree programs for communication and marketing professionals.
University of Washington
Department of Communication