IBM Aims To Boost Mainframe Competency with Scholarship Program
As we reported recently, IBM is accelerating its efforts to bolster mainframe education in an effort to increase the number of professionals entering the workforce with mainframe skills. Now the company is putting additional money where its mouth is with a new scholarship program supported by itself and its partner ecosystem, along with higher education institutions.
Dubbed the "IBM Destination z Enterprise Computing Scholarship Program," the new initiative is part of IBM's larger Academic Initiative for the System z program. It's focused on furthering mainframe education and is be co-funded by IBM and its business partners that focus on IBM mainframes--a group that has, according to IBM, increased in size by 40 percent over he last eight months.
"As one of IBM's key business partners focused on delivering mainframe offerings to clients, investing in the skills and people that are going to run these mission critical platforms is key to its success," said Doug Harrell, vice president of sales, System z, for Mainline Information Systems, in a prepared statement. "This new scholarship program is yet another unique way how IBM and Mainline are teaming up as part of the larger ecosystem to continue to educate the up-and-coming mainframe programmers of tomorrow."
Aside from Mainline, IBM partners funding the scholarship include Levi Ray & Shoup, Rocket Software, and Vicom Infinity. Universities and colleges are also participating in the scholarship program, including Illinois State University, Marist College, Minnesota State University, and others.
"We are heavily invested in the future of the IBM System z mainframe--and in working with our strong Business Partner and university channels. IBM is offering some great programs and incentives for the next generation of mainframe programmers," said Karl Freund, vice president, marketing and strategy, IBM System z.
Students can apply for the scholarships beginning Oct. 6 by clicking here.