IBM SkillsBuild Student Ambassador Program

Power your future
with leadership skills and high-demand credentials

IBM SkillsBuild Student Ambassadors is a leadership and training program designed specifically for HBCU students. Ambassadors are supported and coached to become leaders on college campuses. Through the program, Ambassadors leverage IBM resources and build industry-recognized digital credentials to differentiate themselves to potential employers. They also share their knowledge and mentor peers through Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Data Science badges.

About the IBM SkillsBuild Program

The IBM SkillsBuild Program offers a wide array of learning opportunities for students eager to dive into some of the most sought-after fields in technology—cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence (AI). By earning IBM SkillsBuild badges, students can showcase their verified skills, enhance their resumes, and gain practical, hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools.

Once a student earns a badge, they are eligible for Speed Mentoring with an IBM Employee. Depending on their College, they will then be able to unlock access to HBCU-exclusive paid micro-internships.

Why This Program Matters for HBCU Students

The partnership between Your Big Year and IBM is focused on helping students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) thrive in the tech space. This program equips students with the skills and credentials needed to enter and excel in highly competitive fields, ensuring they are prepared for the demands of today’s technology-driven job market.

Your Role as An Ambassador

IBM Ambassadors are highly recognized leaders on College campuses. They are called upon when opportunities arise such as attending industry events, or meeting IBM corporate clients visiting campus, or teaching Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Data Science to peers. How far you take this role is up to you. Many Ambassadors have utilized all the benefits and resources available to build a name for themselves in technology landing exclusive internships or corporate jobs, initiating new programs on campus, earning high-demand tech badges, cultivating a valuable network on LinkedIn, and more.

Shaping the future
in partnership

Through our partnership with IBM, Your Big Year® is helping HBCU students unlock their potential and power their futures. We are proud to be part of a program that is shaping the next generation of leaders.

Currently, the program is in 20 HBCUs. See our locations below:

Ambassadors are nominated by faculty on our partner HBCU campuses. However, we are always happy to consider another location. If you are interested, please send us a note here: