Google Summer of Code 2008

As you may have noticed Google Summer of Code 2008 has been announced. We tried to apply for GSoC the last two years already but didn't make it for several reasons. This year we are not going to miss out this great event again!

What is Google Summer of Code?

The Google Summer of Code is a program designed to encourage college/university student participation in open source development. Students in Computer Science or related fields are provided the opportunity to do work related to their academic pursuits during the summer. To achieve this Google pays students stipends to work on open source projects like TYPO3.

A lot more information is available in Google's Summer of Code FAQ and Knowledge Base.

How does it work?

First organizations like the TYPO3 Association sign up as mentoring organizations for GSoC. If the organization gets accepted students submit project proposals to the organization. We then rank the submissions and pair the students with mentors from the TYPO3 project.

Google then allocates a given number of slots to each organization and the students work all summer on their project in close mentored collaboration with that organization.

A program stipend paid by Google allows students to concentrate on their Open Source Software development project.

I want to be a student for TYPO3, what should I do?

While you can't formally apply for the program until March 24, it's never too early to start getting involved. Subscribe to the developer mailing lists, hang out in the IRC chat, check out the documentation, and just start playing with TYPO3 and some extensions.

Until registration is open you can already start thinking about your project proposal(s). It's also never too early to start forming ideas around what type of project you want to do, research whether the project is really needed, whether it is doable in the Summer of Code time period, and even start on your application!

However, we also need to wait for TYPO3 to get accepted for GSoC.

I want to be a mentor, what should I do?

Please use the provided mentor application form to let us know that you want to be a mentor. However, you should be familiar with TYPO3 development, be it core development or extension development to be able to support the students.

Please make sure you read the Advice for Mentors page for more tips.

After having reviewed your application we will let you know whether you have been accepted.

I have a project suggestion, what should I do?