Session: Importance of mentorship in OSS communities
Mentorship is an essential part of a healthy open source ecosystem. As Google Summer of Code celebrates 20 years in 2024, it has become clear how open source communities thrive when they can welcome new contributors from diverse backgrounds more easily into their communities. The interest and need for developers skilled in open source technologies and methodology continues to grow, how can we keep bringing more skilled developers into open source?
With programs like Google Summer of Code and Outreachy, developers who are early career professionals or students have the opportunity to learn from dedicated community members about open source communities and best practices in a structured way not taught in most schools or classes. Successful mentorship is the key to the success of the tens of thousands of contributors that have been part of these programs.
Takeaways:
- Why is mentorship so important in OSS communities?
- Tips on being a great mentor
- Mentorship programs that welcome beginners in open source (GSoC, Outreach, etc.)
- How to create your own mentorship program in your community
- Tips for becoming a Google Summer of Code contributor
- Tips for open source projects interested in being GSoC mentoring organizations
