Open Source Programs You Can Join (and How They Help You Grow)
Open source isn’t just about contributing code - it’s about learning, collaborating, building real-world software, and growing your skills alongside experienced developers. If you’re looking to get involved in open source with structured programs and mentorship, here are some excellent opportunities you can explore.
1. Outreachy - Paid Remote Open Source Internship
What it is:
Outreachy offers paid remote internships where you work with real open source projects alongside mentors from established communities.
Why join:
- Work on real open source code, documentation, design, research, and more
- Paid stipend for 3 months
- Remote and global
- Great for building real experience and community connections
When to apply: Twice a year (typically May–August and December–March).
2. Google Summer of Code (GSoC) - Long-Term Mentored Projects
What it is:
Google Summer of Code is a global program where you spend ~3 months working on an open source project with guidance from experienced mentors. It’s one of the most recognized open source programs worldwide.
Why join:
- Work on meaningful projects with real impact
- Learn from experienced open source maintainers
- Earn a stipend while coding
- Great for students & new contributors
Anyone aged 18+ can participate — it’s not limited to students anymore.
👉 https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/
3. Hyperledger Mentorship Program - Blockchain Open Source Contributions
What it is:
Hyperledger is an open source blockchain ecosystem under the Linux Foundation that hosts many projects focused on distributed ledgers and decentralized systems. The Hyperledger Mentorship Program (and related Linux Foundation mentorship initiatives) helps new contributors get hands-on experience working on core open source blockchain tools.
Why join:
- Work on real distributed systems and blockchain frameworks
- Get mentorship from professionals in the field
- Learn about open source workflows used in major enterprises
- Great for developers interested in blockchain and infrastructure
4. MLH Fellowship - Structured Open Source Development
What it is:
The MLH Fellowship is a remote, 12-week program where you work in small groups on real open source projects under expert mentorship. It’s designed to give you practical software engineering experience while contributing code that matters.
Why join:
- Remote and collaborative
- Real open source work with mentors
- Includes learning opportunities like workshops and speaker sessions
- Earn a stipend in select batches
5. FOSSASIA - Open Tech Community & Coding Events
What it is:
FOSSASIA is a global open tech organization that develops software and open hardware projects. They run events, meetups, hackathons, and programs like Codeheat — where contributors can collaborate and compete while building open source projects.
Why join:
- Diverse projects (software, hardware, AI, tools)
- Global community and tech events
- Good for beginner and intermediate contributors
- Works well as your first open source experience
6. CROSS (Center for Research in Open Source Software) - Academic-Industry Bridge
What it is:
CROSS at UC Santa Cruz supports research and open source software development, helping students and recent graduates get funding and mentorship for innovative projects. It’s especially useful if you’re interested in research-oriented open source work and want to build academically impactful software.
Why join:
- Combines academic research with real open source work
- Offers support and funding opportunities
- Helps you build deep technical skills and a portfolio
Wrapping up, but don't forget…
✔ Start contributing early -> even small pull requests count.
✔ Join the project’s Discord/Slack to connect with mentors.
✔ Read contribution guides and issues labeled good first issue.
✔ Be patient, open source is a long-term learning journey.
Bookmark this page so you can come back when you’re ready to start your open-source journey. Happy coding! 🚀