Edit: The VUG link no longer works. Edited the link to the IBM Academic Initiative. Added current link to the FAQ. The links to courses no longer work. The link to the discounts no longer works. I still think it could be useful to pair up with your local schools to help learn more about IBM Power.
Originally posted May 18, 2009 on AIXchange
In a previous AIXchange entry titled, “Some New Virtual Disk Techniques,” I said that I usually learn something new whenever I attend or download the Central Region Virtual User Group meetings from developerWorks.
For instance, at the most recent meeting, Janel Barfield gave an excellent presentation on Power Systems Micro-paritioning. Before Janel’s presentation began. IBMer Linda Grigoleit took a few minutes to cover material about the IBM Academic Initiative, which is available to high school and university faculty.
From IBM:
“Who can join? Faculty members and research professionals at accredited institutions of learning and qualifying members of standards organizations, all over the globe. Membership is granted on an individual basis. There is no limit on the number of members from an institution that can join.”
Check out the downloadable AIX and IBM i courses and imagine a high school or college student taking these classes. With this freely available education, these students would be well on their way to walking in the door of an organization and being productive team members from the beginning of their employment. Think about the head start you would have had you been able to study these Power Systems AIX or these IBM i course topics at that age.
Although as I said in a previous AIXchange entry titled, “You Have to Start Somewhere,” I like the idea of employees starting out in operations or help desks in organizations, the Academic Initiative is a great way for people to get real-world skills on real operating systems.
Instructors also benefit from the program, as IBM offers them discounts on certification tests, training and either discounted hardware or free remote access to the Power System Connection Center.
There’s more. From IBM:
“The Academic Initiative Power Systems team provides vouchers for many IBM instructor-led courses to Academic Initiative members at no cost.
“The IBM Academic Initiative hosts an annual Summer school event for instructors. Each summer this very popular event features topics for those new to IBM i platform.”
Maybe it’s time you get involved. Go to your local high school or university. Find the instructors who would be interested in learning and teaching this technology. Get them to sign up with the Academic Initiative and get involved. With your skills and experience, you could help them get started, and your ongoing assistance would be appreciated by instructors and students alike.