🚀 Open-source software has become the backbone of technological advancement, fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing. For students passionate about coding and eager to gain practical experience while making a meaningful impact, Paid Open Source Programs offer a gateway to unparalleled opportunities. In this blog post, we will delve into a curated selection of Paid Open Source Programs that can help you propel your career forward. Let's explore the incredible programs that await you! 🌟

What is an Open Source Program?

It is a collaborative program wherein single/multiple project(s) are involved whose code is maintained by a set of people and the project is usually enhanced by the contributors (which could be you). The contributors work under the guidance of the mentors of the projects.

different roles in an Open Source Program?

• Mentor

• Mentee/Contributor/Participant

• Project admin

Here is a list of programs you can apply to:

1. Reinforcement Learning Open Source Fest:

Microsoft Research presents an extraordinary program focusing on reinforcement learning. Collaborate with leading experts, immerse yourself in cutting-edge AI research, and contribute to groundbreaking projects that shape the future of machine learning.

💸 Stipend - $10,000

⌛ 12 weeks long

Get more info 👉: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/academic-program/rl-open-source-fest/

1. LFX Mentorship Program:

The Linux Foundation's Mentorship Program pairs students with experienced mentors from renowned organizations. Dive into real-world open-source projects, gain hands-on experience, and learn from industry professionals who will guide you on your journey.

💸 Stipend - $6,000

⌛ 12 weeks long

Get more info 👉: https://lfx.linuxfoundation.org/tools/mentorship/

1. MLH Fellowship

The Major League Hacking Fellowship provides an immersive summer experience where you can work on open-source projects alongside a diverse cohort of talented peers. Earn a stipend, sharpen your skills, and create valuable connections within the tech industry.

💸 Stipend - $5,000

⌛ 12 weeks long

Get more info 👉: https://fellowship.mlh.io/programs/open-source

1. Google Summer of Code

Google's prestigious program invites students to collaborate with open-source organizations on meaningful projects. Receive mentorship from experienced professionals, make a tangible impact on real-world software, and gain invaluable experience that sets you apart.

💸 Stipend - $1,500 - $3,300

⌛ 12 weeks long

Get more info 👉: https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/

1. LFN Mentorship Program

The LFN Mentorship Program, powered by the Linux Foundation Networking (LFN), offers students the opportunity to work on networking projects alongside industry experts. Contribute to cutting-edge technologies that shape the future of networking infrastructure.

💸 Stipend - $3,300 - $6,600

⌛ 12 weeks long

Get more info 👉: https://wiki.lfnetworking.org/display/LN/LFN+Mentorship+Program

1. Linux Kernel Mentorship Program

The Linux Kernel Mentorship Program, an initiative of the Linux Foundation, allows students to contribute to the development of the Linux kernel. Collaborate with renowned developers, improve critical system software, and make a lasting impact on the open-source community.

💸 Stipend - $3,300 - $6,600

⌛ 12 weeks long

Get more info 👉: https://wiki.linuxfoundation.org/lkmp

1. GNOME Internships

The GNOME Foundation provides internships that empower students to contribute to the GNOME project. Develop open-source software that empowers users worldwide and join a vibrant community of developers passionate about creating intuitive desktop

💸 Stipend - $6,600

⌛ 12 weeks long

Get more info 👉: https://foundation.gnome.org/2018/05/08/announcing-the-gnome-internship-program/

1. Outreachy Internships

Outreachy is a global internship program focused on increasing diversity in open source. Gain experience working on meaningful projects with supportive mentors, and contribute to the creation of inclusive and impactful software.

💸 Stipend - $7,000

⌛ 12 weeks long

Get more info 👉: https://www.outreachy.org/

1. Google Season of Docs

Google Season of Docs brings technical writers and open-source organizations together to improve documentation and user experiences. Contribute your writing skills to open-source projects and help developers worldwide.

💸 Stipend - $1,500 - $3,300

⌛ 12 weeks long

Get more info 👉: https://developers.google.com/season-of-docs

1. X.Org Endless Vacation of Code

This program offers students the chance to contribute to the X Window System and related projects. Work on graphics and display technologies while receiving a stipend to support your involvement.

💸 Stipend - $5,000

Get more info 👉: https://www.x.org/wiki/XorgEVoC/

1. Julia Seasons of Contributions (JSoC)

The Julia programming language hosts a program where students can contribute to the development of the Julia ecosystem. Enhance your programming skills and work on projects spanning scientific computing, machine learning, and more.

Get more info 👉: https://julialang.org/jsoc/

1. Summer of Haskell

Focused on the Haskell programming language, this program invites students to work on Haskell-related open-source projects. Improve your functional programming skills and contribute to the Haskell community.

💸 Stipend - $1,500 - $3,000

Get more info 👉: https://summer.haskell.org/

1. Open Mainframe Project Mentorship Program

This program allows students to work on open-source projects related to mainframe technologies. Collaborate with industry leaders and gain valuable insights into mainframe computing.

💸 Stipend - Yes

⌛ February-September

Get more info 👉: https://openmainframeproject.org/projects/mentorship/

1. 24 Pull Requests

This initiative encourages students to make meaningful contributions to open source projects during the holiday season. Join the global community and participate in a month-long challenge of making 24 pull requests on various projects.

⌛ 3 weeks long

Get more info 👉: https://24pullrequests.com/about

1. OSOC (Open Source and Outdoor Coding)

OSOC provides an exciting opportunity to work on open source projects while enjoying the great outdoors. Combine your passion for coding and nature during a summer program in Belgium.

⌛ 4 weeks long

💸 Stipend - € 1 300

Get more info 👉: https://osoc.be/

1. Hyperledger Mentorship Program

The Hyperledger project offers mentorship programs for students interested in blockchain technology. Contribute to cutting-edge blockchain frameworks and gain experience in this rapidly evolving field.

💸 Stipend - $3,000 - $6,000

Get more info 👉: https://wiki.hyperledger.org/display/INTERN

1. Season of KDE

Season of KDE is an annual program that allows students to work on projects within the KDE ecosystem. Collaborate with the KDE community and contribute to desktop and mobile software development.

⌛ 12 weeks long

Get more info 👉: https://season.kde.org/

1. DataONE Summer Internship Program

DataONE offers a summer internship program focused on data science and environmental research. Apply your skills to open-source projects in the field of data management and contribute to scientific advancement.

💸 Stipend - $5,000

Get more info 👉: https://lternet.edu/opportunities/dataone-summer-internship-program/#:~:text=Opportunity%3A%20DataONE%20Summer%20Internship%20Program&text=There%20are%20six%20project%20opportunities,a%20stipend%20of%20%245000%20each.

1. Intern at the FSF

The Free Software Foundation (FSF) provides internships for students interested in advocating for free software and digital freedoms. Join the FSF team and contribute to their important work.

⌛ 12 weeks long

Get more info 👉: https://www.fsf.org/volunteer/internships

1. Processing Foundation Fellowships

The Processing Foundation offers fellowships to students passionate about creative coding. Contribute to the Processing ecosystem and explore the intersection of art, design, and technology.

💸 Stipend - $10,000

⌛ June 20 to September 30

Get more info 👉: https://processingfoundation.org/fellowships/fellowships-2023#:~:text=Processing%20Foundation%20Fellows%20are%20expected,take%20place%20during%20this%20timeline.

1. HacktoberFest

Hacktoberfest is an annual event encouraging developers to contribute to open source projects. Make four valid pull requests during the month of October and receive limited edition swag.

⌛ 4 weeks long

Get more info 👉: https://hacktoberfest.com/

1. FOSSASIA Codeheat

Codeheat is an annual coding contest hosted by FOSSASIA. Showcase your coding skills and contribute to a range of open source projects.

⌛ Bi monthly periods

Get more info 👉: https://codeheat.org/

1. FOSSASIA Internship Program

FOSSASIA also offers internships where students can contribute to open source projects in diverse domains such as machine learning, web development, and data visualization.

Get more info 👉: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScp8h5SIPVK5G2SAm5vtrv7KLKeOeYTxlZBkDRE6I7Toybt0A/viewform

1. GitHub Octernship

The GitHub Octernships program connects students with industry partners in paid professional experiences and mentorship on open source and software development projects.

💸 Stipend - $1,500

⌛ 12 weeks

Get more info 👉: https://education.github.com/students/octernships

1. Kubernetes Release Team Shadows

The Kubernetes project offers a shadowing program where students can gain hands-on experience working with the release team. Contribute to the world's leading container orchestration platform.

Get more info 👉: https://github.com/kubernetes/sig-release/blob/master/release-team/shadows.md

Conclusion:

These highlighted Open Source Programs represent just a fraction of the exciting opportunities available to students today. By participating in these programs, you can gain practical experience, expand your knowledge, and make valuable contributions to the open-source community. Take the leap, explore the provided links, and discover the program that resonates with your passion and goals. Embrace the power of open source, and let these programs propel your career to new heights.

See You Guys Next Time, Keep Building......