Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) is software that gives the user the freedom to use, share, study, and improve it. FOSS contributors believe that this is the best way to develop software because it benefits society, creates a fun collaborative community around a project, and allows anyone to make innovative changes that reach many people.

In an effort to improve diversity in FOSS, a number of organizations are offering remote and mentored Outreachy internships through a program organized by Software Freedom Conservancy. These internships are open internationally to all women (cis and trans), trans men, and genderqueer people. Additionally, they are open in the U.S, to all Black/African American, Hispanic/Latin@, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander people. The stipend for the program is $5,500 (USD). Applicants must be available for full-time, 40-hours a week, internships. The application deadline is October 17, 2016 and the internship dates are December 6, 2016 to March 6, 2017. College students from the Southern Hemisphere who will have a school summer break during most of this time are particularly encouraged to apply.

Coding, user experience design, documentation, bug triage, community engagement, and other types of projects are available. To apply, you need to connect with a participating organization early, select a project you want to work on, make a few relevant contributions with the help of a mentor, and create a project plan.

Learn more at http://outreachy.org

Please consider applying for Outreachy, encourage someone else to apply, or help spread the word by forwarding this message to any interested university and community groups.

To learn more, please join mentors, coordinators, and alums of Outreachy for a Twitter chat with a hashtag #OutreachyChat at 3pm UTC on September 21 (11am EST).