Table of contents
Introduction
Google Summer of Code (GSoC) 🌟 is a global initiative that offers stipends 💰 to students who write code for open-source projects 💻. The program is organized by Google 🌎 and it is created to encourage students to engage in open-source development 🚀 by providing them with the chance to work on a real-world software project 💻.
The program usually runs during the summer for around 3 months. During this time, students work on a specific project under the guidance of an experienced open-source developer 🧑💻. They are expected to complete a set of deliverables, such as documentation 📖 and to submit regular progress reports. At the end of the program, students submit their final code for review and if it meets the project's requirements, they will be rewarded with a stipend 🎉.
GSoC offers a great opportunity for students to gain experience in working with open-source projects 📈, learn new technologies 🤖 and gain hands-on experience in software development 🛠️. It also helps students to be part of a community of like-minded developers 🤝 and to gain recognition for their work 🏆. There are a variety of organizations that participate in GSoC, providing students with the opportunity to find a project that aligns with their interests 🔍 and for organizations to find potential contributors and access new talents 🌟.
What are the eligibility requirements for participating in GSoC?🚀
To participate in Google Summer of Code (GSoC) 🌟, generally, students are required to meet certain criteria which include:
Being 18 years old or above 🎂, and currently enrolled in an accredited educational institution as a student 🎓, or recently graduated in the past 12 months 🎉.
Having the ability to fully commit and work on the program during its duration 💻, typically around 3 months during the summer ☀️.
Adhering to the program's terms and conditions 📝, such as signing a contract 📜 and following the program's code of conduct 🤝.
Possession of valid identification 🆔 and legal documents 📄 for the payment of the stipend 💰. It's important to keep in mind that different organizations may have their specific requirements for selecting students, so it's recommended to check the organization's website 🌍 for their specific eligibility criteria before applying for a project🔍.
What is the application process like for GSoC?🚀
The application process for Google Summer of Code (GSoC) typically involves the following stages:
Researching and identifying an appropriate project 🔍: Participating organizations list their GSoC project ideas on the GSoC website 🌍, and students can also browse the list of past year accepted organizations. Moreover, applicants can suggest proposals to an organization that would be a good fit 💡.
Preparing and drafting a proposal 📝: Proposals are expected to include detailed information about the project the applicant wishes to work on 💻, their qualifications and experience 🧑💻, and their plan to complete the work 📅. Some organizations may ask for additional materials such as resumes or transcripts 📚.
Submitting the proposal 📤: The proposal is submitted via the GSoC website during a specific application period 🕰️.
Review and selection 🔍: GSoC organizers will evaluate the proposal and notify the applicant if they have been accepted 🎉. Typically, the results of the selection process are announced a few weeks after the application deadline📅
Project execution 💻: If the proposal is accepted, the applicant will work on the project throughout the summer, and maintain regular communication with their mentor🤝.
Code submission💻: At the end of the program, the applicant will submit their code for review, if the code meets the criteria, the stipend will be provided as a reward 🎉.
It's crucial to keep in mind that the selection process is quite competitive and not all proposals get accepted, but applying for GSoC is always a valuable experience that can help in learning more about open-source development opportunities and identifying other opportunities that align with the student's interest🚀.
Check All Organisations for GSOC 2023 🔍(click here)
What are the expectations for students who are accepted into the program?💭
Students who are accepted into the Google Summer of Code (GSoC) program are expected to:
Devote their full-time attention to the project during the duration of the program, typically around 3 months in the summer🕰️.
Maintain regular communication with their mentor and the development team🤝, providing updates📝 and seeking guidance as needed🔍.
Complete the deliverables as defined by the project📅, such as documentation📖 and code💻, and meet the project's requirements📝.
Actively participate in any program-wide events such as online meetings💬, workshops🔧, or discussions💭.
Adhere to the program's code of conduct 🤝and comply with the program's terms and conditions 📜.
Submit a final product that is of high quality🌟, maintainable🔧, and well-documented📝.
Participate in the final evaluation and demos🎬, which may be used to determine the student's eligibility for the stipend💰.
Be responsive and accountable🙏, maintaining communication with the organization and mentor even after the completion of the program🔄 and being open to feedback💭.
It's important to keep in mind that different organizations may have specific expectations, so it's best to check the organization's website🌍 and communicate with the mentor🧑💻 to gain a clear understanding of the expectations.
Are there any additional benefits, other than the stipend, that GSoC participants receive?😕
Participating in the Google Summer of Code (GSoC) program has many benefits beyond just the stipend 💰. Some additional benefits include:
Gaining hands-on experience with real-world software development projects 💻 and working with an experienced open-source developer as a mentor 🧑💻.
Learning new technologies and development methodologies 🛠️
Building a portfolio of work to showcase to potential employers 📃
Becoming a part of a community of like-minded developers 🤝
Gaining recognition for your contributions to open-source software and building your brand🌟
Having an opportunity to work with some of the most promising and innovative Open-source projects and organizations🚀
Improving your skillset and broadening your perspective on software development and open-source development ecosystem🔍.
It's important to keep in mind that the benefits of the program may vary depending on the organization and the project you're working on, so be sure to check with the organization or your mentor for more information on what additional benefits you can expect.
Check Out Past Programs Of GSoC
Google Summer of Code 2023 Timeline👇
January 23 - 18:00 UTC ⏰
Mentoring organizations can begin submitting applications to Google📤
February 7 - 18:00 UTC ⏰
Mentoring organization application deadline📆
February 7 - 21📅
Google program administrators review organization applications🔍
February 22 - 18:00 UTC⏰
List of accepted mentoring organizations published📜
February 22 - March 19📅
Potential GSoC contributors discuss application ideas with mentoring organizations💬
March 20 - 18:00 UTC⏰
GSoC contributor application period begins🚀
April 4 - 18:00 UTC⏰
GSoC contributor application deadline📆
April 27 - 18:00 UTC⏰
GSoC contributor proposal rankings due from Org Admins🔍
May 4 - 18:00 UTC⏰
Accepted GSoC contributor projects announced📜
May 4 - 28📅
Community Bonding Period | GSoC contributors get to know mentors🧑💻, read documentation📖, get up to speed to begin working on their projects🚀
May 29📅
Coding officially begins!💻
July 10 - 18:00 UTC⏰
Mentors and GSoC contributors can begin submitting midterm evaluations📝
July 14 - 18:00 UTC⏰
Midterm evaluation deadline (standard coding period)📆
July 14 - August 21📅
Work Period | GSoC contributors work on their project with guidance from Mentors💻
August 21 - 28 - 18:00 UTC⏰
Final week: GSoC contributors submit their final work product💻 and their final mentor evaluation (standard coding period)🔍
August 28 - September 4 - 18:00 UTC⏰
Mentors submit final GSoC contributor evaluations (standard coding period)📝
September 5📅
Initial results of Google Summer of Code 2023 announced🎉
September 4 - November 6📅
GSoC contributors with extended timelines continue coding💻
November 6 - 18:00 UTC⏰
Final date for all GSoC contributors to submit their final work product💻 and final evaluation🔍
November 13 - 18:00 UTC⏰
Final date for mentors to submit evaluations for GSoC contributor projects with extended deadlines📝
Enjoy!
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