Outreachy

Let’s first talk about what is Outreachy. Outreachy provides three-month internships to work in Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). The internships are completely remote, and interns are paid a $5,500 USD stipend. The interns work alongside a mentor that guides them throughout the internship period. People from diverse communities are encouraged to apply!

The application consists of three essay questions and time eligibility responses. The questions ask about identity background and discrimination faced while acquiring skills in respect to career development. I come from a low income family, and I did not know anything about college, STEM, or open source growing up. In my responses, I was honest about the struggles I face. Don’t be afraid of being honest about your struggles.

The outcome of my baby boy helping me in my Outreachy contribution to one of the projects ♥️

  • Initial Application:

    January 20, 2020 to February 25 the initial applicant needs to be submitted with your essay responses and time eligibility.

  • Contribution Period:

    March 5, 2020 to April 7, 2020 only applicants who’s initial application is accepted can contribute to a project. At this time, applicants contact prosperous mentors and contribute to a project. In order to be eligible to apply to a project, the applicant needs to have a contribution. I contributed to two different projects as it is time consuming. I suggest to stick to one or two projects in order to fully devote time to each.

  • Intern Selection Period:

    April 7, 2020 to May 4, 2020 is the time for mentors to select the inters they want to work with. A email will be sent out to those who got selected.

Now that the logistics are out of the way, let me share some of my experiences. The process does require a waiting period. As I mentioned somewhere in this blog, I have a 6-month-old son who requires a lot of attention, so this internship seemed like a long shot. I didn’t think I would get selected. My husband encouraged me to apply, and I think it’s one of the best decisions I made. I’m excited to network with alumni, current inters, coordinators, and my mentor. I hope to learn, create and develop skills directed to my career path.

I encourage those looking to further their knowledge in something their passion about. Nothing is too far from your scope. Apply, contribute and embark on the journey for yourself.