Overview of Student Ambassador Program with IBM SkillsBuild

The Student Ambassadors with IBM SkillsBuild is a nationwide network of US students representing IBM SkillsBuild on campus.  Ambassadors from all majors leverage exclusive IBM SkillsBuild resources to earn industry-recognized credentials, master AI, and mentor their peers to stand out to future employers.

UPSKILL your technical knowledge of artificial intelligence, NETWORK with industry leaders and peers, GAIN credentials to kickstart your career in this selective leadership program run in partnership between IBM SkillsBuild and Your Big Year.


What is Your Big Year® (YBY)?

Your Big Year® is a youth empowerment program designed byInternational Connector. We envision a world where young people can reach their full capacity and apply their unique capabilities to solving the world’s most pressing challenges. Our long-term goal is to provide equitable opportunities as we believe anyone can make an impact - big or small

YBY has partnered with IBM SkillsBuild to facilitate the Student Ambassador Program with IBM SkillsBuild.


What is IBM SkillsBuild?

It is a free learning platform supported by IBM SkillsBuild that has thousands of courses in technology. 

Why are AI skills important to have? // Why is it important to learn about Artificial Intelligence?

The most straightforward reason is to ensure you remain active in the evolving dialogue surrounding technology. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly pervasive, the ability to navigate this landscape effectively depends on possessing a foundational understanding of what AI entails and how to practicalize its use.

What are some use cases with AI?

  • Insurance: Natural language processing (NLP) and data analysis help experts like underwriters and claims processors quickly find insights from documents and data, improving risk assessments and customer outcomes.

  • Financial Markets: AI and automation enable professionals to efficiently analyze large datasets, generating insights that lead to better investment decisions and enhanced client guidance.

  • Banking: Benefits from data analytics and document automation to accelerate processes like audits and credit applications, enhancing decision-making and customer service.

  • Legal Research: AI and NLP streamline legal research by quickly retrieving relevant information from large volumes of documents, allowing legal professionals to focus on client services and case resolution.

  • Healthcare and Life Sciences: AI and data science speed up research and improve care by uncovering insights from large datasets, making healthcare delivery more efficient and effective.

  • Education and Public Sector: AI for document analysis helps institutions communicate better and streamline processes, improving service delivery to students and citizens.

  • Sports and Entertainment: Data analytics and AI provide real-time, accurate insights, enhancing audience experiences and decision-making for events.

  • Maintenance and Engineering: AI and data analysis assist in making faster, more informed decisions, improving both efficiency and customer satisfaction

What is the duration of the Student Ambassador Program with IBM SkillsBuild?

August 2026 - May 2027

How much time per week does the program require?

We recommend at least 5 hours per week. 

Is the program free for all selected candidates?

Yes. The program and all the learning materials are provided for free to all the applicants.

How do I get notified if my application is successful?

All communications are conducted through email. We recommend using your official school email address when applying for the program.

Can I apply again if my application is unsuccessful?

Yes, you can re-apply the following year.

Does the program offer access to IBM  learning resources?

Student Ambassadors with IBM SkillsBuild get access to IBM SkillsBuild learning resources in the following ways:

  • Access to IBM SkillsBuild platform and the Your Big Year mobile platform

  • Invitations to monthly Tech Talks with IBM experts/employees/recruiters

Do I get a chance to network with my peers nationally?

Yes. The Your Big Year mobile platform brings all the selected Student Ambassadors with IBM SkillsBuild to one platform where they can share their learnings and interact with their peers. 

Can I also develop my personal skills?

The program believes that technical and non-technical skills are essential for a successful career in artificial intelligence. Therefore, the program incorporates personal skills courses into the curriculum, and you also earn a badge for that.

What are the eligibility requirements to be considered for the program?

To become a Student Ambassador with IBM SkillsBuild, it's essential to complete the IBM Bob micro-credential badge on the IBM SkillsBuild platform within the initial two weeks. This badge offers training on artificial intelligence basics and fundamentals. We recommend kickstarting this training immediately.

The program is open for applicants who meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Enrollment as a sophomore, junior or senior in a university, college, or diploma program, pursuing an undergraduate degree.

  • Studying on-campus

  • Age: 18 years or above

  • Proficiency in English at an intermediate level

  • Successful submission of the complete Program application form

  • Complete your IBM Bob micro-credential badge on the IBM SkillsBuild platform

  • Studying in one of the following universities:

    • AZ – Arizona State University, University of Arizona
      CA – San Jose State University, Stanford University, University of California - Berkeley, University of California - Davis, University of California - Irvine, University of California - Los Angeles, University of California - San Diego, University of California - Santa Cruz, University of Southern California
      CO – University of Colorado - Boulder
      CT – University of Connecticut
      DC – George Washington University, Georgetown University, Howard University
      FL – University of Florida
      GA – Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, University of Georgia
      IL – University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
      IN – Notre Dame, Purdue University
      MA – Boston University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northeastern University, Tufts University, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
      MD – Johns Hopkins University, Morgan State University, University of Maryland - College Park
      MI – University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
      NC – Duke University, North Carolina State University, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
      NJ – Rutgers University - New Brunswick
      NY – (CUNY) City University of New York, Columbia University, Cornell University, Fordham University, Marist University, New York University (NYU), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, (SUNY) State University of New York at New Paltz, (SUNY) Stony Brook University, (SUNY) University at Buffalo, Syracuse University
      OH – Ohio State University, University of Dayton
      PA – Carnegie Mellon University, Penn State University, University of Pennsylvania
      SC – University of South Carolina
      TN – Vanderbilt University
      TX – Rice University, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, University of Texas - Austin, University of Texas - Dallas
      VA – George Mason University, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech

Are there terms and conditions to applying?

Yes, all applications require an agreement to the Terms & Conditions (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ooaa8ZGmQc1PHusCMTZIlCUJblHUR_FzPAghVouFa_Q/edit?usp=sharing). 

What do you look for in a Student Ambassador with IBM SkillsBuild?

  • You are a student in a university, college or someone with interest in artificial intelligence

  • You have a track record of engaging in leadership activities or demonstrate a willingness to learn

  • You are a proactive individual ready to take up responsibilities in equipping yourself and your peers with artificial intelligence skills

  • You are ready to diversify your skill-set to become a well-rounded individual with the required technical skills and interpersonal and organizational assets necessary for a successful career in artificial intelligence

How are the successful candidates selected?

Applicants are judged by:

  • Personal Initiative

  • Planning & Organization

  • Proactivity

  • Communication Skills

  • Activity on social media

  • Prior Learning & Sharing

  • Presentation skills

  • Autonomy

  • Leadership skills

  • Passion for artificial intelligence

I am part of a university, college, educational institution, or organization interested in forming a partnership to provide the opportunity to my students. Whom should I contact? 

We are excited to discuss how we can work together to provide the opportunity to your students. Kindly send an email to our team.