5 Open Source Internship Programs in 2024
The world of open source software is a vibrant and ever-evolving landscape, driven by the passion and dedication of developers from all corners of the globe. For aspiring contributors seeking to make their mark on this dynamic ecosystem, open source mentorship programs offer invaluable opportunities to gain hands-on experience, collaborate with experienced mentors, and make meaningful contributions to real-world projects.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of some notable open source mentorship programs available to aspiring contributors:
Google Summer of Code (GSoC)
Duration: 10–22 Weeks (flexible)
Timeline: January 2023 — November 2023
Stipend: $1500 — $6600
Organized by Google, GSoC is one of the most popular open source mentorship programs, connecting students with participating organizations to work on summer projects. Accepted mentees are paired with mentors and receive a stipend for their contributions.
Linux Foundation Mentorship Program (LFX)
Duration: 12 Weeks, ˜3 Months
Timeline: March 1st — May 31st, June 1st — August 31st, September 1st — November 30th
Stipend: $3000 — $6600
Managed by The Linux Foundation, the LFX program matches open source talent with experienced mentors. Participants identify a project and create a profile to submit an application. Mentors guide mentees through the development process and provide valuable insights into the project and the open source community.
MLH Fellowship
Duration: 12 Weeks
Timeline: January 30th — September 8th (3 batches year round)
Stipend: Up to $5000 (need-based)
The MLH Fellowship offers participants the opportunity to contribute to open source projects that form the backbone of modern software development. The program provides mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities, enabling fellows to make significant contributions to open source projects and gain valuable experience in the tech industry.
Google Season of Docs (GSoD)
Duration: 6 Months
Timeline: April 14th — November 15th (2024 program not announced)
Stipend: Depends on the budget of the organization
GSoD specifically targets technical writers, providing them with the opportunity to gain experience in open source documentation. Participants work on projects related to improving documentation, enhancing user guides, and creating tutorials for open source software.
Outreachy
Duration: 3 Months
Timeline: May — August, December — March
Stipend: $7000
Outreachy is a diversity initiative that provides paid, remote internships to individuals from underrepresented groups in the tech industry. Participants work on projects related to code development, documentation, design, and community management.
These open source mentorship programs offer a gateway to the world of open source contribution, providing aspiring developers with the skills, experience, and support they need to make meaningful contributions to the open source community. Through participation in these programs, individuals can gain valuable experience, expand their technical skills, and establish themselves as active contributors to the ever-evolving landscape of open source software.
