IBM Z Student Ambassador Program

Led by youth reimagining the mainframe

Text highlighting achievements of an organization: 35+ countries represented, 219+ universities represented, 870+ ambassadors and alumni, 145+ clubs and groups started, 12,000+ students joined Z Xplore.

Note: All successful applicants will need to complete the Z Xplore Concepts badge. Start today.

Group of five men standing in front of an IBM Z and LinuxONE server at a technology conference.

WHY IT MATTERS

IBM Z runs the systems you use every day.

It is the technology you do not see, yet it helps make everyday life what it is today. Every ATM withdrawal, credit card swipe, flight booking and hotel check-in likely touches an IBM Z mainframe. As one of the world's most in-demand and powerful technologies, mainframe skills are a fast track into a technical career and this program is a highly selective way to build them, in partnership between IBM Z and Your Big Year®.

Text stating that 87% of all the world's transactions run through a mainframe.
Text that states, '44% of the world's top 50 banks run on IBM Z'

THE PROGRAM

Most ambassador programs teach a platform. This one builds specialist skills, a global network, and leadership experience.

This program is interactive and a place to collaborate with our team, your peers and the mainframe community. You are not solo behind a computer. In this program you will access:

Graphics promoting leadership and technical skills training, including 1:1 coaching and mentorship.
Two dark blue rectangular banners with icons. The top banner has a white globe icon and the text "Global peer network of ambassadors." The bottom banner has a white cursor icon and the text "Resources & support for all ambassador activities."
Two sections of informational graphics. The first section has a blue star icon and text about featured spots on YBY and IBM Z channels. The second section has a shield icon and text about IBM Z technical badges and certifications.

The Ambassador Role

Student Ambassadors represent IBM Z on campus for at least one academic year. It's a two-way exchange. Here's what's you do in this role:

A man wearing a maroon shirt and blue cap giving a presentation about IBM Z skills to an audience, with a screen behind him displaying information about mainframes and cloud infrastructure.
Group of six people standing behind a table at an outdoor community event, all wearing matching IBM Z Windsor Chapter hoodies, with signing materials and games on the table, promoting leading and building community.
A group of ten diverse young adults posing in front of an IBM quantum computer at an event or conference.

IBM Z Student Ambassadors are Globally Based

Click to find out what universities are currently represented.

Interested in engaging with an ambassador? Reach out to us here.


A checklist with five items, each marked with a blue checkmark. The items list various teamwork qualities, including communication, collaboration, and problem-solving, on a black background.

ELIGIBILITY

Do you qualify?

Complete the Concepts badge on the IBM Z Xplore platform. It covers mainframe fundamentals and is required to become a Student Ambassador.

Applications

The Z Student Ambassador program is powered by Your Big Year and IBM Z