Your Big Year

09/08/2026

It’s easy to stay around people who think like you.
But some of the best conversations are the ones that make you see something differently.

For Gabrielle, connecting with people from different countries and backgrounds changed the way she listened, learned, and thought about her own perspective too.

And sometimes, sharing what you think matters just as much.
“You might never know who you could inspire if you don’t speak up.”

Read her full article on Medium:
https://medium.com//people-who-think-differently-can-teach-you-the-most-06317d8a9544

Part of The Playbook No One Told Me: real lessons from young people figuring things out as they go.

Q: Who’s someone who made you think differently?

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

🌎 Big Years Around the World: Pittsburgh, USA 🇺🇸

Meet Leandro: one of the people behind Your Big Year. 💫
This summer, he traveled to Pittsburgh for his first SYTA Conference, where he helped lead our career readiness experience with local youth.

From building confidence and practicing networking to helping young people prepare to meet professionals on the conference floor, Leandro was there turning career-ready skills into something young people could actually practice not just hear about.

And that’s what a Big Year is all about: going somewhere new, taking on a new challenge and helping someone else take their next step, too.

📍 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
🌎 Another Big Year in action

FutureOfWork

09/03/2026

AI Accelerator with IBM Bob - START TODAY

AI is changing work and our lives. Start building the skills understand it.

You don’t need to be an AI expert to get started. The AI Accelerator with IBM SkillsBuild gives college students a free way to learn practical AI skills, earn IBM SkillsBuild credentials and hear directly from professionals working in technology.

Complete short credentials, join IBM Tech Talks and work toward the full AI Accelerator credential.

Open now with rewards given every month this fall (T&Cs).
Your Big Year® is an official partner of IBM SkillsBuild.

https://www.yourbigyear.com/ai-campus-connect

09/03/2026

AI Accelerator with IBM Bob
AI is changing work and our lives. Start building the skills understand it.

You don’t need to be an AI expert to get started. The AI Accelerator with IBM SkillsBuild gives college students a free way to learn practical AI skills, earn IBM SkillsBuild credentials and hear directly from professionals working in technology.

Complete short credentials, join IBM Tech Talks and work toward the full AI Accelerator credential.

Student Ambassador Program with IBM SkillsBuild - APPLY TODAY

Take your AI skills beyond the classroom.

The IBM SkillsBuild Student Ambassador Program gives eligible U.S. college students the chance to build leadership experience while helping other students discover AI learning opportunities.
You’ll develop your own skills, earn credentials, connect with other students and take part in professional development throughout the year.

Applications are being reviewed now.

yourbigyear.com/ibm-skillsbuild-ambassador-program

09/03/2026

Global Citizens Challenge - Register Today

Connect with peers around the world (without leaving home)
Want to connect with young people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds?

Join our Global Citizens Challenge PenPal sessions this fall for real conversations, new perspectives and a chance to strengthen skills like communication, collaboration and cultural awareness.
Young people from 106 countries have already taken part in the Global Citizens Challenge.

Fall PenPal Sessions:
September 16 · October 15 · November 18 · December 2

And applications are now open for the 2027 Global Citizens Challenge, February 25–28

https://www.yourbigyear.com/global-citizens-challenge

09/03/2026

IBM Z Student Ambassador Program - APPLY TODAY

Want to build serious tech skills?

IBM Z technology powers some of the systems behind banking, travel, retail and industries around the world. The IBM Z Student Ambassador Program is for college students globally who want to go deeper into technology while building:
Technical skills.
Industry credentials.
Leadership experience.
A global network.

And you don’t just learn, but rather you get opportunities to put those skills into action.

Applications are being reviewed now.

https://www.yourbigyear.com/ibm-z-student-ambassador-program

09/03/2026

Your Big Year® Fellowship - APPLY TODAY

Build the skills, confidence and connections to take your next step.

The Your Big Year® Fellowship is designed to help you move from thinking about your future to actively building it.

Through practical activities, coaching and CareerReady Connect, you’ll strengthen the skills that help you stand out in school, work and beyond including communication, networking, personal branding, collaboration and confidence.

You’ll also learn how to recognize the skills you already have, talk about your experiences in ways that matter to employers, and build connections that can open new opportunities.

Fall session starts Oct 1.

https://www.yourbigyear.com/your-big-year-fellowship

09/02/2026

Your next opportunity could start here. 👀

Want to build new skills, meet people from around the world, explore AI, grow your confidence, or step into a leadership role?

Applications and sign-ups are now open for Your Big Year fall opportunities, including:

🌎 Global Citizens Challenge
🚀 Your Big Year Fellowship + CareerReady Connect
🤖 AI Accelerator with IBM SkillsBuild
⭐ IBM SkillsBuild Student Ambassador Program
💻 IBM Z Student Ambassador Program

Some are for high school students, some are for college students, so swipe through and find the one that fits you.

Don’t just think about what’s next. Start building it.
🔗 https://www.yourbigyear.com/opportunities-page