College students need two things to succeed: money and experience. IBM recognized this and created the IBM All Freshmen Initiative to help students earn technology credentials and make money without sacrificing their grades. With students’ busy schedules in mind, the program offers micro-internships—short, focused opportunities to gain valuable work experience.
Through partnerships with 14 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), IBM provides students access to free technology badges via IBM SkillsBuild, paid micro-internships, and dedicated mentors. This is open to ALL majors. Each remote 10-hour micro-internship pays $250, and there’s no limit on how many internships a student may complete.
Based on the forecasted demand for technology skills and professional development, the IBM All Freshmen Initiative program offers 800 micro-internships, each paying $250, to college freshmen at partner schools who complete specific credentialed badges. These badges include:
- Getting Started with Artificial Intelligence (3-hour course)
- Getting Started in Data (3-hour course)
- Getting Started with Cybersecurity (3-hour course)
A student can complete a single badge in just three hours. Upon completion, college freshmen at partner schools become eligible for 10-hour micro-internships with major companies like Adobe, Vanguard, Paychex, and more. The micro-internships are exclusively for the IBM All Freshmen Initiative program, but college sophomores, juniors, and seniors are encouraged to earn badges and participate in the IBM mentor program.
The IBM All Freshmen Initiative is exclusively available to college freshmen attending the following HBCUs:
- Alabama A & M University
- Albany State University
- Clark Atlanta University
- Grambling State University
- Medgar Evers College (Predominantly Black Institution – PBI)
- Norfolk State University
- South Carolina State University
- Southern University and A & M College
- Talladega College
- Texas Southern University
- Tuskegee University
- Virginia State University
- Voorhees University
- West Virginia State University
The #HBCUWinterBreakMoney Challenge
December 23, 2024 – January 24, 2025
To make things even more exciting, the HBCU Money Guide Team is sparking some friendly competition with the #HBCUWinterBreakMoney Challenge!
Individual Freshman Challenge
Freshmen at the IBM All Freshmen Initiative HBCU partner schools are encouraged to complete all three technology badges and at least four micro-internships before the end of Winter Break 2024. Not only will students return to campus with valuable skills, but they’ll also have at least $1,000 in their pockets.
HBCU Bragging Rights Challenge
The challenge doesn’t stop there! HBCUs can earn ultimate bragging rights:
- HBCU Money Makers – The school whose students collectively earn the most money from micro-internships.
- HBCU Micro-Internship Leaders – The school with the highest number of students completing one internship.
- HBCU Tech Badge Champions – The school with the most total badges earned.
- HBCU Power Players – The school with the highest percentage of participating freshmen.
- HBCU Freshman MVP – The individual student who earns the most money.
- HBCU Future Tech Leaders Award – Recognizes the HBCU with the most students completing all three badges.
Students are encouraged to showcase their success on Instagram by posting about their badges and internships, tagging their HBCU and @HBCUmoneyguide, and using the hashtag #HBCUWinterBreakMoney.
All the information and resources needed to get started are listed below. Winter Break 2024 has the potential to be a very productive and profitable time. Note: Students can continue to complete micro-internships after the challenge dates.
What’s a Micro-Internship?
According to the IBM SkillsBuild site, micro-internships are short-term, paid professional assignments that mirror the types of tasks new hires or interns would typically perform. These projects allow college students to demonstrate the skills they’ve gained through SkillsBuild training, giving them a chance to build their resumes as they seek full-time roles.
Micro-internships enable students to prove their professional abilities, gain valuable experience, and earn money. Participants work directly with the organization that posted the project, and upon completion, they receive payment for their time. Micro-internships allow students to work on their communication skills in real-world situations, connect with companies, and level up their professional game.
What is IBM SkillsBuild?
SkillsBuild is a platform developed by IBM that allows high school, college, and adult learners to take free courses and earn digital credentials in various STEM fields. As part of IBM’s broader commitment to train and re-skill 30 million people by 2030, SkillsBuild offers courses in artificial intelligence, data science, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and information technology. All credentials are Credly verified, considered the world’s largest digital credential platform, and recognized by companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 enterprises.
Getting started is easy. Students register an account on the platform and begin learning for free. The courses, which typically require a fee, are free to participants, making this an accessible opportunity for students looking to boost their resumes with recognized tech skills.
HBCU SkillsBuild Partnership
This special partnership between IBM and 14 HBCUs & one PBI offers additional resources, including speed mentoring and micro-internships. IBM also hosts monthly “Tech Talks,” virtual video conferences open to students from any institution, giving more access to industry insights.
To qualify for a micro-internship, college freshmen at partner schools must complete the badges relevant to posted internships, focusing on fields like data, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Once students finish their profiles, they can search for available mentors and send requests. When accepted, they are paired with a mentor for one semester and are encouraged to switch mentors each semester to build a diverse professional network.
“This process is specifically designed so that by the time they (college freshmen) graduate, they have that job in hand. Students need to understand the importance of professional networking. Through this process, they can build a network of eight professionals, helping them grow that network,” explained Valinda Kennedy, IBM HBCU SkillsBuild & AI Academic Regional Program Manager, at the HBCU White House Initiative presentation.
Mentors help with career tips, building a strong resume, and getting ready for interviews. By the time they graduate, students could have worked with up to eight mentors, giving them valuable insights and industry connections to kick-start their careers.
How to Get Started
- You MUST be a freshman at one of the partner HBCUs.
- Register and complete up to 3 badges using your official college email address. (find your school below)
- Get paired with an IBM mentor.
- Apply for micro-internships. NOTE: Add IBM SkillsBuild as an Affiliation in your profile.
- Post about your journey using #HBCUWinterBreakMoney
- Fill up your bank account!
- Help your HBCU win all the bragging rights!!!
Watch the instructional video, find the links for your college below, and remember you MUST be a current freshman and register using your official college email.
IBM HBCU All Freshmen Initiative Partner Course Links
- Alabama A & M University
- Albany State University
- Clark Atlanta University
- Grambling State University
- Medgar Evers College
- Norfolk State University
- South Carolina State University
- Southern University and A&M College
- Talladega College
- Texas Southern University
- Tuskegee University
- Virginia State University
- Voorhees University
- West Virginia State University
Conclusion
The IBM All Freshmen Initiative opens doors for students to gain tech skills and earn badges that are valuable for any future career. With fields like AI, data science, and cybersecurity becoming essential in every industry—from psychology and business to nursing and music—these skills prepare students for success no matter their major.
Through paid micro-internships, IBM mentors, and Tech Talk Wednesdays, students can gain real-world experience, build their resumes, and expand their networks—all while earning money to help fund their education. This program can be a student’s first step toward securing a full-time job in their chosen career immediately after graduation.
