Open Source Programs and Developer Communities you should know (2023)
7 open source software programs and 10 open source communities you must know as a developer or OSS enthusiast.
This blog has 7+ open source software programs and 10+ open source communities you must know as a developer or open source enthusiast.
Table of contents
- What are open source software programs
- List of OSS programs (overview, eligibility, application dates)
- Summary (your favorite section)
- List of open source and developer communities
Open Source Programs
Companies, organizations, universities and institutions organize programs to promote open source software; help students, developers and enthusiasts upskill and build valuable projects.
Note: This blog will be updated with newer opportunities as and when they’re announced.
Let’s get into it! 💙
List of open source programs
✨ ✨ NEW — Updated on 5th July 2023 👇🏻
Open Source with Kunal
A comprehensive program to explore open source principles, contribute to projects, and excel in the tech industry — promising a transformative journey and exciting career prospects.
Who can join this course?
Aspiring developers, Tech professionals, Open Source enthusiasts, Students and Researchers, Entrepreneurs and Innovators, and anyone with the desire to learn.
What does the course include?
- Comprehensive Lectures
- Interaction with Industry Experts
- Updated Assignments
- Structured Learning Resources
- Support for Open Source Programs (such as Google Summer of Code, Outreachy, Major League Hacking Fellowship, LFX, and more.)
For more details, check out: WeMakeDevs
✨ NEW — Updated on 16th May 2023 👇🏻
Appwrite Hackathon 2023
Explore Appwrite Cloud’s backend-as-a-service technology, enhance your development skills, and make a lasting impact on the open-source community.
Who can apply to the hackathon?
Anyone who is at least 13 years old and has an interest in coding is welcome to participate in Hashnode Hackathons, regardless of skill level. Beginners and experts alike are encouraged to join.
(Note: Age 13–17 should follow a different set of rules)
What rewards and prizes do you get?
The Grand winner will get:
💰 5,000 USD + Appwrite swag + 👕 Hashnode T-shirt and ☕️ mug
5 runner-ups will get:
💰 1,000 USD + Appwrite swag + 👕 Hashnode T-shirt (each)
How to participate?
1️⃣ Sign up for Appwrite Cloud
2️⃣ Build an open-source app
3️⃣ Blog about it on Hashnode
4️⃣ Submit your project on ‘Built with Appwrite’
What’s the hackathon’s timeline?
May 15, 2023 (00:00 PT): Hackathon begins.
June 14, 2023 (23:59 PT): Deadline for submissions.
1st Week of July: Winners will be announced.
What will be the decision making criteria?
- Product Thinking
- UI/UX
- Code
- Completeness of the article
- Comprehensibility
- Usage of Appwrite
App ideas shared by Appwrite
- Task Management App
- Chat Application
- Event Planner
- Online Marketplace
- Social Network
- Photo sharing app
- Fitness Tracker
- Recipe Sharing Platform
- Online Portfolio
- Language Learning App
For more details, check out: Appwrite Hackathon 2023 — Hashnode
✨ NEW — Updated on 9th May 2023 👇🏻
Super 25 Program by WeMakeDevs
Expand your knowledge and enhance your skills with our expert-led webinars on a wide range of topics.
Who can apply to the program?
University students residing in India can apply to the program.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Passionate about open source and communities.
- Participate in community events (not just WeMakeDev’s)
- Willing to learn & work on WeMakeDevs open-source projects.
- Can collaborate with community members.
What benefits do you get?
- Career guidance
- Exclusive swags
- Priority selection for @WeMakeDevs events
- Travel fund to attend official events
- Occasional surprise gifts for members
- Annual subscription to platforms like KodeKloud
- Referrals to companies by Kunal Kushwaha
What’s the program’s timeline?
Application start: 7th May, 2023
Deadline to apply: 20th May, 2023
Selection announcement: 1st June, 2023
Cohort start: 5th June, 2023
Cohort end: 5th Nov, 2023
*Next Cohort Application: 5th November, 2023
Application form link: Super 25 Application Summer Cohort (Batch 1)
For more details, check out: WeMakeDevs
1. GitHub Campus Expert Program by GitHub Education
Learn the skills to build and grow diverse technology communities on campus with training, mentorship, and support from GitHub.
Who can apply to the program?
Any student with the GitHub Student Developer Pack can apply to the program.
Do you need to have a technical background?
Students from all backgrounds (designers, journalists, mathematicians, etc.) can apply.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Validate your student status through the GitHub Student Developer Pack.
- Be enrolled in a post-secondary formal education institution.
- Have more than one year left as a student before graduating.
- Be a GitHub user for at least six months.
- Not be enrolled in the GitHub Campus Advisors Program.
When do applications open?
Applications to the program open twice a year, in February and August. The application remains open for a month and you can apply once every application cycle.
Application process overview
1. Get the GitHub Student Developer Pack
2. Complete the application form
3. Submit a video resume
4. Get accepted
5. Complete the training
For more details, check out: Campus Experts — GitHub Education
2. Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors by Microsoft
A global group of on-campus ambassadors who are eager to help students and their communities, lead in their local tech circles, and develop technical and career skills for the future.
Who can apply to the program?
Students from all academic backgrounds who want to grow their career and tech skills while making a difference in their communities can apply.
*Some experience in coding or technology is helpful.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- be age 16 or older at the time of application
- be enrolled full-time in an accredited academic institution (e.g. College, University)
- be an individual person (not a corporate entity)
- not be a Microsoft employee or current contractor
When do applications open?
New students are accepted into the program quarterly.
Application process overview
- A written sample, technology skills
- A short video introduction
For more details, check out: Microsoft Community Leader
3. MLH Fellowship by Major League Hacking
A 12-week internship alternative for aspiring technologists. A fun, educational curriculum with practical experience that you can put on your resume right away.
Who can apply to the program?
All students, regardless of where they live and what type of institution they attend.
*Also opening slots to a limited number of non-student professionals.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Reside in a country not embargoed by the United States
- Able to commit 30 hours per week to this program
- Know how to code in at least one language
- Proficient English speaker
- Have access to a video call quality internet connection
When do applications open?
Three 12-week programs are held per year, roughly aligning with the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters of the academic calendar.
The program pages have specific deadlines and timing for each batch. However, applications are processed on a rolling basis.
Application process overview
- A written application
- Video Interview
- Detailed technical interview
For more details, check out: Fellowship Portal — MLH Help Center
✨ Success story: How the MLH Fellowship Helped Me Land My First Job at Microsoft ✨
4. Linux Foundation Mentorship Program
To help developers with necessary skills — many of whom are first-time open source contributors — experiment, learn, and contribute effectively to open source communities.
💰 Stipend: $3000 to $6000
Who can apply to the program?
Anyone.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Be at least 18 years old by the time the mentorship program starts.
- Not be a prior or active participant in another Linux Foundation mentorship program.
- Be eligible to work in the country and jurisdiction where you will be participating in the Mentorship program.
When do applications open?
Thrice.
- March 1st — May 31st
- June 1st — August 31st
- September 1st — November 30th
Application process overview
1. Create a Mentee profile
2. Apply to (max 3) mentorship programs
3. Receive confirmation
5. Outreachy Internships
A paid, remote internship program — helping newcomers to free software and open source make their first contributions.
💰 Stipend: $7,000 USD for the 3-month internship.
Who can apply to the program?
Both students and people who are not students are welcome to apply to Outreachy.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- You must be 18 years of age or older by May 29, 2023
- You must be available for a full-time internship (30 hours per week/ from May 29, 2023 to Aug 25, 2023)
When do applications open?
2 internship cohorts: May to August, and December to March.
December 2024 internships:
Intern applications are accepted from early August to late August 2023
Duration: Early December 2023 to early March 2024
Application process overview
- Documentation
- Essay questions
- No resumes or references
For more details, check out: Outreachy | Internships Supporting Diversity in Tech — Outreachy
6. Google Season of Docs*
Technical writing contributions at selected organizations currently open*
🚨 Application Deadline: 10th May 2023
Relevant links 👇🏻
GitHub — google/season-of-docs: Supporting materials for Google’s Season of Docs program
Technical writer guide | Google Season of Docs | Google Developers
7. GirlScript Summer of Code (GSSoC)
🚨 NEW Application Deadline: 15th May 2023
A three-month-long Open-Source Program conducted every summer by the Girlscript Foundation.
Who can apply to the program?
Everyone can participate and contribute their part in the development of the open source community and our initiative.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Anyone who is new in the field of development, and it specifically supports an inclusive environment. No age restrictions, too.
When are the application dates?
25th April to 15th May 2023
When are the program dates?
20th May to 20th August 2023
Application process overview
Google form application: Contributors Application GSSOC’23
8. Social Summer Of Code Season 2 by Hack2Skill
🚨 Application Deadline: 10th May 2023
SSOC is a 2-Month Open Source Program. We aim to promote open source with new-age technologies and help everyone to get the right path & guidance through SSOC
Who can apply to the program?
Both beginners and experts can apply.
What are the eligibility requirements?
No specific requirements are listed — it’s open for all.
What are the application dates?
The application deadline is 31st May 2023
For more details, check out: Hack2skill | Organize best hackathons and tech camps
TL; DR (Summary)
- GitHub Campus Expert Program by GitHub Education
- Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors by Microsoft
- Linux Foundation Mentorship Program
- MLH Fellowship
- Outreachy Internships
- Google Season of Docs
- GirlScript Summer of Code (GSSoC)
- Social Summer of Code Season 2 by Hack2Skill
Communities you must join or follow
Community is a MASSIVE part of open source. It makes open source what it is. Getting help, support and guidance from an open source community is one of the most wholesome experiences on the internet.
Here’s some of the open source and developer communities (in no particular order) you must follow.
Shout-out to @Unnati_twts for sharing the Twitter thread. And thank you, Arindam Majumder :)
ii. Open Community of Developers 🇮🇳 (@OCD_India)
iii. WeMakeDevs (@WeMakeDevs)
iv. Layer5 (@layer5)
v. OpInCo Community (@opincocommunity)
vii. Devfolio (@devfolio)
viii. CoCode (@thecocode)
xi. 4C Community (@4ccommunityhq)
That’s a wrap for this blog. If you made it this far, thank you!
As always, do hit the follow button for more. And if you’re still not following Scoutflo on Twitter — you’re missing out! Not kidding.
See you around!
Open Source FTW 💙