Terms & Conditions
IBM Z Student Ambassador Program
Facilitated by Your Big Year®
Last updated: 30th March 2026
1. Introduction & Acceptance of Terms
The IBM Z Student Ambassador Program (the “Program”) is a global student leadership and skills development program provided by IBM Z and facilitated by Your Big Year®, a program operated by International Connector LLC (United States) and International Connector B.V. (The Netherlands) (together, the “Manager”, “we”, “us”).
These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern your participation in the Program and your use of any related websites, platforms, tools, or digital environments operated or managed by the Manager, including but not limited to yourbigyear.com and internationalconnector.com (collectively, the “Platform”).
By applying to, participating in, or submitting content in connection with the Program, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you must not apply for or participate in the Program.
2. Program Overview
The Program is a virtually facilitated ambassador and leadership program running primarily from September 2025 to May 2026, with additional application cycles and optional continuation periods as described below.
The Program includes, but is not limited to:
Access to a virtual curriculum covering IBM Z mainframe technology
Leadership, personal development, and professional skills training
Networking opportunities and exposure to employers seeking IBM Z–related skills
Participants are expected to actively engage in Program activities, which may include:
Earning digital badges
Organizing or supporting IBM Z–related events or workshops
Establishing and maintaining an on-campus IBM Z community
Teaching peers and promoting IBM Z technologies
Sharing Program-related activities in accordance with Program guidelines
Participants must maintain an “Active” status in accordance with Program criteria to remain enrolled.
3. Educational Nature of the Program
The Program is educational and developmental in nature and is intended to support skill-building, leadership development, and professional learning.
Participation in the Program does not guarantee employment, internships, income, job placement, or specific career outcomes. Outcomes depend on individual engagement, effort, and external factors beyond the control of the Manager or IBM.
4. Fees and Expenses
There is no fee to apply for or participate in the Program.
Participants acknowledge that neither the Manager nor IBM is responsible for any personal costs or expenses incurred in connection with participation, including travel, equipment, or internet access. Any such expenses are the sole responsibility of the participant.
5. Program Term, Application Period & Participation Requirements
Applications open in June 2025, with rolling intake through March 2026
The primary Program term runs from September 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026
A separate continuation period for eligible ambassadors may run from June to August 2026
The Manager reserves the right to amend application timelines, Program dates, or participation requirements at its discretion.
All accepted applicants must:
Attend one onboarding session; and
Complete the IBM Z Xplore Concepts Badge within two (2) weeks of provisional acceptance
Failure to meet these requirements may result in suspension or removal from the Program.
6. Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must:
Be at least 18 years of age
Be currently enrolled at a university or college (standalone apprenticeship programs are not eligible)
Have an intermediate level of English proficiency
Submit a complete Program application
Be registered on the IBM Z Xplore platform
Complete the required badge within the specified timeframe
Be a legal resident of one of the eligible countries listed in the Program materials
The Manager and IBM reserve the right to remove any participant whose conduct does not align with Program standards, values, or expectations.
7. Application and Selection Process
To apply, applicants must:
Complete the Program application form
Register on the IBM Z Xplore platform
Attend an interview if requested
Acceptance is provisional until the applicant:
Completes the required badge within two (2) weeks; and
Attends an orientation session within two (2) weeks of notification
All applications are reviewed for eligibility and compliance. Selection decisions are final. If a selected applicant cannot be contacted, fails to respond within three (3) days, or declines participation, the Manager may offer the position to another applicant.
8. Participant Representations
By applying or participating, you represent and warrant that:
All information provided is accurate and complete
All submitted materials belong to you or are used with permission
Any linked or submitted content does not contain unlawful, defamatory, or inappropriate material
9. Program Modifications and Termination
The Manager reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate the Program, in whole or in part, at any time for operational, technical, legal, or business reasons.
Participants may withdraw from the Program at any time.
10. Data Protection & Privacy (GDPR Compliance)
10.1 Data Controller
International Connector LLC and International Connector B.V., operating as Your Big Year®, act as data controllers for personal data processed in connection with the Program.
10.2 Personal Data Collected
Personal data may include:
Name and contact details
Educational affiliation
Application responses
Program participation data
Photos, videos, or content submitted as part of Program activities
10.3 Purpose & Legal Basis
Personal data is processed for:
Administering applications and participation
Verifying eligibility and identity
Program communication and support
Program reporting and improvement
Program-related promotion (where consent or legitimate interest applies)
Processing is based on:
Performance of the Program
Legitimate interests
Consent (where required)
Legal obligations
10.4 Data Sharing & International Transfers
Data may be shared with Program partners (including IBM) and service providers. Where data is transferred internationally, appropriate safeguards (such as standard contractual clauses) are used.
10.5 Data Retention
Data is retained only as long as necessary for Program purposes or legal obligations.
10.6 Participant Rights
Participants have the right to:
Access, correct, or delete personal data
Restrict or object to processing
Withdraw consent (where applicable)
Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
Requests should be made via the applicable privacy policy or Program contact channels.
11. License, Media & User Content
By participating, you grant the Manager and Program partners a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use submitted content (including photos, videos, and statements) solely for Program administration, reporting, evaluation, and promotion.
You retain ownership of your content. Where required by law, consent for promotional use may be withdrawn prospectively.I agree as follows:
IBM Event or Asset: This marketing consent is given as being a student member of the IBM Z Student Ambassador Program. This consent extends to all aspects of being an ambassador including, but not limited to, hosting virtual and in person events, running virtual and in person workshops, posting on social media, participating in existing on campus events, and participating in IBM led events. This consent extends to any and all uses by IBM in promoting or amplifying IBM products, opportunities and events.
License: As part of the IBM Event or Asset described above, I have provided or will be providing International Business Machines Corporation (“IBM”), in its capacity as Controller, with written materials, presentations or other text, as well as my personal data including my name, employer, biography, photo, voice, personal likenesses or other images, (collectively, the “Information”). I consent that this Information may be used by IBM without charge or compensation, and that IBM may make an audio or video recording (“Recording”) of me as part of the IBM Event or Asset. I grant to IBM a non-exclusive, royalty free, worldwide right to use, copy, display, exhibit, publish, perform and distribute the Information and Recording, as well as to prepare derivative works of the same in print, electronic media, on IBM or other web sites, social media or any other media now known or hereinafter developed for the purpose of promoting IBM’s goods and services. I understand that more information on IBM processing of my personal data can be found in the IBM Privacy Statementhttps://www.ibm.com/privacy/us/en/. I also understand I may withdraw my consent to the above processing of my personal data by reaching out by email to IBM at chiefprivacyoffice@ca.ibm.com.
Representation and Warranty: I represent and warrant that the Information provided herein is factually true, accurate and original.
Use and Ownership: IBM may reproduce, shorten, take excerpts from, combine or develop any part or all of the Information and Recording, provided that the nature of the content is not materially altered. I acknowledge that IBM shall own all rights, including copyrights, in the Information and Recording when used as part of other IBM materials. With respect to the foregoing, IBM can share the Information and Recording with its subsidiaries and affiliates each of which will have the same use and ownership rights as described above as well as with its agents in their capacity as IBM Processors.
Miscellaneous. I am at least 18 years of age and have full authority to furnish the Information to IBM. If any provision of this Consent is found to be unenforceable at law, the remaining provisions shall survive and remain in full force and effect. Except as otherwise required by mandatory law which cannot be waived by contract, this Consent shall be governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey.
12. Intellectual Property & Platform Use
All Program materials, Platform content, trademarks, and technology are the intellectual property of the Manager or IBM, as applicable.
Participants may not:
Copy, reproduce, distribute, scrape, or reverse engineer Program or IBM materials
Use Program or IBM materials to train artificial intelligence systems
Use Program or IBM branding outside the scope of Program participation
Commercially exploit Program materials without permission
13. Third-Party Platforms
Participation may involve use of third-party platforms (e.g., social media, communication tools, learning platforms). Use of such platforms is governed by their respective terms and policies. The Manager is not responsible for third-party platform practices, moderation, or availability.
14. General Conditions
The Manager reserves the right to suspend, modify, or terminate the Program if its integrity or operation is compromised. Failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver.
15. Disclaimer, Release & Limitation of Liability
The Program and Platform are provided “as is” and “as available.”
To the fullest extent permitted by law, participants release and hold harmless the Manager, IBM, and their affiliates from claims arising out of participation, except where liability cannot be excluded under applicable law.
16. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey, United States of America. Mandatory consumer or data protection rights remain unaffected.
17. Contact Information
For questions regarding these Terms or data protection matters, please refer to the applicable privacy policy or Program contact details.