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Linux Kernel Mentorship Program

Table of contents
  1. Introduction of the Linux community

  2. Program Overview

  3. Timeline

  4. Benefits

  5. Eligibilty

  6. Stipend

  7. Selection Procedure

Introduction to Linux Foundation Mentorship Program

The Linux Foundation Mentorship Program is designed to help developers — many of whom are first-time open source contributors — with necessary skills and resources to learn, experiment, and contribute effectively to open source communities.

By participating in a mentorship program, mentees have the opportunity to learn from experienced open source contributors as a segue to get internship and job opportunities upon graduation.

Introduction to Linux Kernel Mentorship Program

The Linux Kernel Mentorship Program is one of the many programs offered by the Linux foundation. It is an annual program which includes three 12-week, full-time volunteer mentee positions, and also two 24-week part-time volunteer mentee positions each year. The full-time mentee positions are offered in the Spring, Summer, and Fall while the part-time mentee position is offered in the Spring and Summer.

Timeline

Full-Time Terms:

Spring Term: March 1st - May 31st

Mentorships available on LFX Mentorship: Jan 15th, 2021

Mentee applications open: Jan 15th - Feb 12th (4 weeks)

Application review/admission decisions/HR paperwork: Feb 15th - Feb 26th

Summer Term: June 1st - August 31st

Mentorships available on LFX Mentorship: April 15th, 2021

Mentee applications open: April 15th - May 14th (4 weeks)

Application review/admission decisions/HR paperwork: May 17th - May 31st

Fall Term: September 1st - Nov 30th

Mentorships available on LFX Mentorship: July 15th, 2021

Mentee applications open: July 15th - August 12th (4 weeks)

Application review/admission decisions/HR paperwork: August 12th - August 31st

Activity Timelines

Mentorship duration - three months (12 weeks - full-time schedule)

Week 1: Mentorship program begins with the initial work assignments

End of Week 3: First mentee evaluations due (optional per mentor/program admin)

End of Week 6: Midterm mentee evaluations due and first stipend payment (50% of the total amount) approvals

End of Week 9: Third mentee evaluations due (optional per mentor/program admin)

End of Week 12: Final mentee evaluations and mentee feedback/blog submission due, second and second stipend payment (50% of the total amount) approvals

Mentorship duration - six months (24 weeks - part-time schedule)

Week 1: Mentorship program begins with the initial work assignments

End of Week 6: First mentee evaluations due (optional per mentor/program admin)

End of Week 12: Midterm mentee evaluations due and first stipend payment (50% of the total amount) approvals

End of Week 18: Third mentee evaluations due (optional per mentor/program admin)

End of Week 24: Final mentee evaluations and mentee feedback/blog submission due, second and second stipend payment (50% of the total amount) approvals

Benefits

Learn from experienced Linux Kernel developers/maintainers

  • Learn to collaborate, communicate, and work with the Linux Kernel community

  • Become a Linux Kernel contributor

  • Opportunity to network with other open source communities and prospective employers

  • Learn to speak and share experiences at Linux conferences (travel funding included)

  • Receive a stipend for learning
  • Opportunity to interview with employers

Eligibility

Since it is a time consuming internship you need permission from your education institute/employer.

You should have completed the free e-course provided by Linux foundation on 'A Beginner's Guide to Linux Kernel Development' and have to submit it's certificate in the application.

Stipend

This mentorship program provides need based stipend according to the country's PPP. For India this stipend is of $3000 which translates roughly about 2,20,000 Indian Rupees.

Selection Procedure

Step 1: You should have completed the A Beginner’s Guide to Linux Kernel Development e-course during the planning phase. Upload the certificate of completion.

Step 2: Upload resume, cover-letter Complete Skill evaluation period - 2 weeks (due before Application Contribution period begins)

Step 3: Complete Skill evaluation task(s) assigned to you as task(s) in LFX Mentorship. You will receive an email with instructions on how to signup once you complete Step 1 & Step 2. This screening is common to all Linux Kernel Mentorship projects. You will have to complete it once. If you qualify, you can start Application Contributions. A task will be assigned to you to start your Application Contributions. A second task be assigned to submit your completed application.

Application Contribution period (2 weeks)

Work on mentor assigned tasks to learn you project area.

Complete required contributions

Make small contributions to the projects.

Report contributions

Bugfix report contributions

Complete application and submit: Application packet should contain a short summary of your skills and what you learned during the 4 week application period and include a report of all your contributions. Upload your application to the “Submit Completed Application task”.

Hope this helps you in your journey to become a great software developer, Happy Coding!