In today’s world, opportunities are no longer defined by degrees alone—skills open the door to growth, innovation, and dignity of work. The IBM SkillsBuild Change Makers Program is built on this vision, offering young people the chance to acquire practical, future-ready skills that prepare them for both life and livelihood.
For tribal and rural communities in Odisha, this means access to learning that can bridge gaps of inequality and open pathways to new opportunities.
With IBM’s global expertise and Odisha Skill Development Authority’s (OSDA) vision of making Odisha a hub of skilled talent, this program is helping to create a blueprint for inclusive, transformative skill development.
KISS, in collaboration with IBM and Bridge Institute, brings the SkillsBuild program to life by reaching learners across Odisha, especially those from underserved communities.
Between January and March 2024, more than 16,000 young learners were onboarded, with 3,000 projects launched that focus on building a sustainable, fairer future. The program combines free access to courses, mentorship, and resources for both secondary school students (ages 13–18) and entry-level job seekers, ensuring that young people are equipped not only with technical knowledge but also with confidence and vision for the future.
Training of Master Trainers to guide program implementation.
Development of Facilitator’s Guide for learners.
Training of youth at the community level across Odisha.
Training of students at KISS with comprehensive skill courses
Onboarding of youth onto the IBM SkillsBuild platform.
Career support and job placement for learners.
master trainers developed to lead the program
participants placed in jobs through program support
spotlight users actively engaged with courses (top interest: UX Design)
youth onboarded onto the IBM Skills Build platform
course completions recorded, with 1,384 unique users
digital credentials awarded to learners
— Jhilli Naik, student
“These courses taught me things I usually only hear about on social media. I feel more confident now to take on challenges.”
— Jyoti Nayak, student
“The knowledge I gained will help me in exams, interviews, and debates. It has opened up a new way of learning.”
— Roji Bhoi, student
“I could choose from many courses—cybersecurity, AI, design thinking. They were practical and flexible. This will shape my career path.”
Global technology leader providing cutting-edge learning platforms and expertise.
Government of Odisha, committed to advancing educational opportunities statewide.
Implementation partner facilitating program delivery and community engagement.
Join thousands of learners transforming their lives through the IBM SkillsBuild Change Makers Program.
