Changes in Google Summer of Code(GSoC) 2021
The Google Summer of Code has always been popular among university students from all over the world to kick start their journey in the world of open source development.
For the readers who are hearing about this program for the first time, Google Summer of Code is a global program, focused on bringing more and more developers into open source development. Students work with an open-source organization on a 10-week programming project during their break from college. The selected students are also provided with mentors, so that they can guide the students through the program.
There are tonnes of articles already available on the internet to know more about the program. Then, why I am writing this one?
The reason is that Google has introduced some substantial changes in the GSoC program from 2021.
So, without any further ado let’s discuss, what is different in GSoC, 2021?
- Reduction of Working Hours:
Earlier the official time commitment for GSoC used to be around 40 hours/week. But, it varied from one organization to another. So,on an average, 30 hours/week was required. Now, the official commitment has been reduced to 18 hours/week only. The official announcement says, “Starting in 2021, students will be focused on a 175-hour project over a 10-week coding period.”
See the detailed timeline here:
https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/how-it-works/#timeline
2. Inclusion of Licensed Coding Bootcamp enrolled Students in the program:
Earlier only the university students could participate in the program. But from 2021, the students enrolled in licensed coding schools can also participate.
3. Reduction in the number of evaluations during the GSoC:
Till GSoC 2020, the students were supposed to pass three evaluations. But from 2021, only two evaluations will be there, and one must pass them for the successful completion of Google Summer of Code.
4. Reduced Stipends:
Although the official stipends have not been released yet, thus reportedly we may assume that there will be some cut-off in the amount of stipend.
Good Luck, if you are aiming for GSoC, 2021, and thanks for reading this article!
