Outreach programs/FAQ

Find answers to your questions about participating in the Google Summer of Code and Outreachy program with Wikimedia in our list of frequently asked questions (FAQ):

How can I prepare for the Google Summer of Code/ Outreachy program ahead of time?

Wikimedia will start listing projects only by mid-February and mid-August on the corresponding subpages of Google Summer of Code and Outreachy on MediaWiki.org. If you would like to start preparing before the application period opens, here are a few ideas for you to explore:

• Learn about the application process steps and recipe of a successful internship for a Google Summer of Code or Outreachy project.
• Involve yourself in an existing Wikimedia project by fixing a few software bugs listed on the Good first bugs page.
• Make small contributions to New Developers projects.
• Visit Introduction to the Wikimedia Technical Ecosystem for an overview of Wikimedia technology and examples of the major areas where developers can contribute.
• Explore other areas and opportunities on the Wikimedia Developer Portal to get involved in Wikimedia's technical ecosystem and community.

How do I start working on a Wikimedia project listed for GSoC/Outreachy?

You could start by expressing your interest in working on the project by commenting on the associated Phabricator task. You could then set up the development environment and choose a microtask generally linked from each project's task description on Phabricator. Mentors will guide you in this process and help you contribute to the project.

Where can I ask for help with my problem?

Depends very much on the nature of the problem. If you're running into a project-specific technical problem, reach out to the project mentors directly in the communication channel they're most active or on their preferred method of contact. This information is highlighted in the project descriptions on the GSoC and Outreachy page on MediaWiki.org. For a general technical problem around Wikimedia projects (e.g., setting up the MediaWiki development environment or contributing to MediaWiki extensions), ask for help on mailing lists, IRC, or the Support Desk. For any program related questions, contact program administrators in the Zulip chat.

Please first read How to become a MediaWiki hacker#Feedback, questions and support how to (not) ask questions.

Which project suits my interest and expertise?

In all our projects, we list the required expertise and skills. Although you can choose to share your skillset with organization administrators, all they can do is point you to the list of projects you have seen already on MediaWiki.org. It might be ideal to self-assess which project best suits your interest and needs to save everyone some time.

Are microtasks required for the application?

It is up to each set of mentors. Often they won't be technically required, but they will make your application look better. If you don't do the microtasks, your proposal will probably be less likely to get accepted.

It is late now but can I still apply?

1-2 weeks remaining till the deadline

It is not too late to apply. Follow the application process steps, work on microtasks if still available, and submit a final proposal on the Google and Outreachy program website by the deadline.

Less than a week till the deadline

Wikimedia's application process takes at least a week to complete. We want to be upfront that your chances of getting accepted are slim. That said, the experience of writing and submitting your application will help you prepare for next year, so, if you decide to apply, we will be happy to support you! With Outreachy, in some instances (e.g., the project received fewer candidates), mentors can extend the application deadline by a week, but it depends on the mentor to decide on that.

Note that you can also contribute to Wikimedia projects outside of the program, see: How to contribute, New Developers and Good first bugs.

Could you help connect with someone who might be willing to mentor me on my own project idea?  

If you would like to propose your project idea, that is welcome! You could reach out to potential mentors with the skills and expertise in the topic area of your interest. One downside of this approach might be that we are unable to find you a suitable mentor in time for the application deadline. If you want to take this approach, consider contacting us and submitting a proposal early to get timely feedback. If you want to take this as a challenge, organization administrators are happy to help you connect with experienced developers from our community.

Where, how to and in which format should I upload my project application?

Follow the "Application process steps" section for clear instructions on submitting a final proposal for Google Summer of Code and Outreachy respectively.  

If you couldn't find what you were looking for in the FAQ, reach out to organization administrators on Zulip.

[GSoC] Can I apply for GSoC for the second time with Wikimedia?

Yes, but note that newcomers will be given preference in this case.