Interns Guide Mentors Guide TEMPLATE: Projects Ideas TEMPLATE: Intern Project Proposal

Internship/Apprenticeship Program #

Welcome to the Open Science Labs (OSL) Internship/Apprenticeship Program! At the heart of our mission lies the commitment to foster innovation and growth within the realm of open science and open source. This program is an embodiment of that commitment, providing an inclusive, dynamic, and nurturing environment for contributors of all backgrounds-whether you're a student stepping into the world of open-source, or a professional looking to give back and refine your skills.

This program is under The GRAPH Network who enhances our reach and impact across the open science community.

With a structure inspired by the Google Summer of Code, our program offers some unique features:

  • Open Participation: We welcome everyone from students to professionals, embracing diversity in knowledge and experience. Prospective participants should submit their relevant project ideas to designated OSL mentors or supervisors through email or our social media platforms like Discord.
  • Flexible Commitment: A minimum of 20 hours per week allows for impactful work while accommodating your schedule.
  • Biannual Cycles: With two distinct cycles per year, there are ample opportunities to get involved at a time that suits you best.
  • End-of-Cycle Presentations: At the end of each cycle, participants are encouraged to share their journey and project outcomes, enhancing their public speaking and technical communication skills.
  • Non-Monetary Rewards: While the internship does not offer financial compensation, it offers invaluable experience, mentorship, networking opportunities, and the satisfaction of contributing to open-source projects that matter.

In this program, contributors will not only gain practical experience by working on real-world projects but also become an integral part of a community striving for a collective goal—advancing open source and open science for a better future.

Requirements #

Contributor Candidate Requirements #

For those interested in taking advantage of the Open Science Labs Internship/Apprenticeship Program, there are several key requirements that ensure a productive and rewarding experience for both the contributor and the program:

  • English Proficiency: Candidates must be able to effectively communicate in English, as it is the primary language used for collaboration and communication within the program.
  • Age Requirement: All candidates must be at least 18 years old at the time of applying to participate in the program.
  • Time Commitment: Prospective interns are expected to dedicate a minimum of 20 hours per week to the program throughout the cycle, which spans 3 months.
  • Duration of Commitment: Candidates must be prepared to commit to the full duration of the program cycle to ensure continuity and impact of their contributions.
  • Nature of Opportunity: It's important to note that this is a non-paid opportunity, ideal for those looking to gain experience and grow their network in the open science community.
  • Initial Contribution: Before official acceptance, candidates should make a small contribution to their project of interest. This allows mentors to assess the candidate’s skills and commitment levels.

We seek candidates who are passionate about open science and eager to make significant contributions to the open-source community. If you meet these requirements and are ready to engage with cutting-edge projects, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements for Sub-Organizations #

To join the Open Science Labs Internship/Apprenticeship Program as a sub-organization, the following criteria must be met:

  • Open Source Licensing: The project(s) must be released under a license approved by the Open Source Initiative (OSI) or have a Software Package Data Exchange (SPDX) identifier. Licenses not recognized by OSI will be subject to review to ensure alignment with the program's objectives.
  • Issue Availability: There should be an array of open issues available for the duration of the program cycle, offering a variety of engagement opportunities for contributors.
  • Mentorship: Each project under the sub-organization must have at least one mentor committed to guiding contributors. However, for a robust mentoring experience, having at least two mentors per project is recommended.
  • Application Submission: The application to join as a sub-organization must be submitted by a core contributor or a maintainer of the project or organization to ensure commitment and reliability.
  • Code of Conduct: All projects looking to participate must adhere to a publicly visible code of conduct to ensure a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all contributors.

By fulfilling these requirements, your sub-organization will contribute to a productive and ethical collaboration space, supporting the growth of contributors and the advancement of open-source projects through our internship/apprenticeship program.

OSL Internship/Apprenticeship Program Timeline #

Cycle 1: Winter/Spring 2024 #

For more information about the Cycle 2024-01 Timeline, check its official page: https://opensciencelabs.org/programs/internship/cycles/2024-01/#timeline

Cycle 2: 2024 (Estimated Timeline & GSoC Alignment) #

  • April, 22: Call for Interns/Apprentices opens.
  • May, 13: Deadline for Interns/Apprentices applications.
  • May, 20: Announcement of approved Interns/Apprentices and start of bounding period
  • May, 27: Official Start Date of Internship Period; an alternative for projects not selected by GSoC to run under the OSL Internship Program with The Graph Network support.
  • July, 8: Mid-term Evaluation.
  • August, 26: Final Evaluation.
  • September, 3: Official End Date; Certification process begins.

Notes:

  • GSoC Alignment Note: Open Science Labs (OSL) is planning to participate as a Mentoring Organization in the Google Summer of Code (GSoC). Consequently, our Cycle 2 timeline is designed to align with the GSoC schedule. However, please be aware that OSL's inclusion in GSoC is not guaranteed, and we will confirm our participation status as soon as we have information.
  • GSoC Application Note: If OSL is accepted into GSoC, all projects intended for Cycle 2 will be submitted as part of our GSoC application. This submission will aim to provide our projects and their prospective contributors the opportunity to benefit from the structure, support, and recognition that GSoC provides.
  • Cycle 2 Timeline: The above estimates for Cycle 2 are tentative and should be adjusted according to the actual GSoC schedule once announced.
  • OSL Internship Contingency Plan: In the event that a project is not accepted into GSoC, there's no need to worry. These projects will have the opportunity to proceed within the regular OSL Internship/Apprenticeship Program, following the same planned timeline. We believe in providing a platform for all valuable projects, ensuring that they have the chance to move forward and thrive with or without GSoC inclusion.

By preparing for these possibilities, OSL is committed to supporting project continuity and offering a stable, enriching internship experience to all participants.