Open Source Programs

Beyond Hacktoberfest, there are many amazing programs that help you contribute to open source, learn new skills, and even earn money!

What Are These Programs?

Open source programs are organized initiatives that connect contributors with projects, provide mentorship, and often offer rewards like stipends, swag, or certificates.

🎃 Hacktoberfest

When: Every October
Duration: 1 month
Rewards: Digital rewards, tree planted, swag (limited)
Website: hacktoberfest.com

What is Hacktoberfest?

Imagine a month-long celebration where developers worldwide come together to contribute to open source projects. That's Hacktoberfest!

How It Works:

Register on the Hacktoberfest website in October
Make 4 pull requests to participating repositories
Get them approved by project maintainers
Earn rewards - digital badge, tree planted, and sometimes physical swag!

Why Join?

✅ Perfect for beginners
✅ No application required
✅ Contribute at your own pace
✅ Global community
✅ Fun and rewarding

You're Already Here!

This website is specifically designed to help you succeed in Hacktoberfest 2025!

☀️ Google Summer of Code (GSoC)

When: May - September
Duration: 12-22 weeks
Stipend: $1,500 - $6,600 (based on project size and location)
Website: summerofcode.withgoogle.com

What is GSoC?

Think of it as a paid summer internship with open source organizations, sponsored by Google!

How It Works:

Apply in March/April with a project proposal
Get selected by an organization
Work on your project with a mentor for 12-22 weeks
Get paid a stipend from Google
Earn a certificate and swag

Who Can Apply?

Students (18+ years old)
New contributors to open source
Anyone passionate about coding

Why Join?

💰 Earn money while learning
🎓 Work with top organizations (Mozilla, Python, Apache, etc.)
👨‍🏫 Get mentorship from experienced developers
📜 Receive official Google certificate
🌍 Build global connections

Application Timeline:

January: Organizations announced
March: Student applications open
April: Applications close
May: Results announced
May-September: Coding period

📝 Google Season of Docs

When: May - November
Duration: 3-6 months
Stipend: Varies by project
Website: developers.google.com/season-of-docs

What is Season of Docs?

Like GSoC, but for technical writers! Help open source projects improve their documentation.

How It Works:

Apply with a documentation proposal
Work with an open source organization
Improve their documentation
Get paid for your work

Who Can Apply?

Technical writers
Anyone who loves writing and explaining
No coding required!

Why Join?

📝 Perfect for non-coders
💰 Get paid to write
📚 Improve your technical writing skills
🎯 Make projects more accessible

🌍 Outreachy

When: May-August & December-March (twice a year)
Duration: 3 months
Stipend: $7,000
Website: outreachy.org

What is Outreachy?

A program specifically designed to support people from underrepresented groups in tech.

How It Works:

Apply during application period
Complete contribution tasks
Get selected for an internship
Work remotely for 3 months
Receive $7,000 stipend

Who Can Apply?

People from underrepresented groups in tech
Women, non-binary people, people of color
People with disabilities
LGBTQIA+ individuals

Why Join?

💰 Generous stipend ($7,000)
🌈 Supportive and inclusive community
👥 Strong mentorship
🚀 Career advancement opportunities
🌍 Remote work from anywhere

🎓 MLH Fellowship

When: Year-round (3 batches per year)
Duration: 12 weeks
Stipend: $5,000 - $7,500
Website: fellowship.mlh.io

What is MLH Fellowship?

A remote internship program where you work on real open source projects with peers.

How It Works:

Apply for a batch
Join a pod of 10-15 fellows
Work on open source projects
Learn from mentors and workshops
Earn stipend and certificate

Tracks Available:

Open Source - Contribute to major projects
Production Engineering - Build and deploy
Explorer - For beginners (no stipend)

Why Join?

💰 Earn while learning
👥 Work with peers
🎓 Structured learning
🏆 Build portfolio
🌐 Global community

🐧 LFX Mentorship

When: Year-round (3 terms per year)
Duration: 12 weeks
Stipend: $3,000 - $6,600
Website: lfx.linuxfoundation.org/tools/mentorship

What is LFX Mentorship?

Linux Foundation's mentorship program connecting you with top open source projects.

How It Works:

Browse available projects
Apply to projects you're interested in
Get matched with a mentor
Work on the project for 12 weeks
Receive stipend

Projects Include:

Linux Kernel
Kubernetes
Node.js
Hyperledger
And many more!

Why Join?

💰 Competitive stipend
🏢 Work with major projects
👨‍🏫 Expert mentorship
📜 Official certificate
🚀 Career opportunities

💖 GitHub Sponsors

When: Year-round
Duration: Ongoing
Earnings: Varies
Website: github.com/sponsors

What is GitHub Sponsors?

Get paid directly by people who appreciate your open source work!

How It Works:

Create open source projects
Enable GitHub Sponsors
Share your sponsor page
Receive monthly support from sponsors

Why Join?

💰 Sustainable income
🎯 Work on what you love
👥 Build community
🚀 Full creative freedom

📅 Program Comparison

Program	Duration	Stipend	Application	Best For
Hacktoberfest	1 month	Swag	None	Beginners
GSoC	12-22 weeks	$1,500-$6,600	Competitive	Students
Season of Docs	3-6 months	Varies	Competitive	Writers
Outreachy	3 months	$7,000	Competitive	Underrepresented groups
MLH Fellowship	12 weeks	$5,000-$7,500	Competitive	All levels
LFX Mentorship	12 weeks	$3,000-$6,600	Competitive	All levels
GitHub Sponsors	Ongoing	Varies	None	Maintainers