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Are you new to open source, or do you want to gain some experience, and secure a paid internship? Outreachy is a great beginning. This article will provide you with thorough guidelines on how to begin the application process and what to do to ensure that your application is successful.

I wish you luck!

What is Outreachy?

Outreachy is a program that provides paid remote internships in open source and open science. Outreachy's goal is to bridge the gap with people who face systemic bias and underrepresentation of any kind. Outreachy internships last for three months, and tasks might involve programming and non-programming.

Who is Outreachy for?

Those who are eligible and experience underrepresented or systematic discrimination in their nation's technology sector are encouraged to apply.

How to apply?

The initial application phase is the very first of the three stages. The others are the contribution phase and the internship stage As you start your application process, I advise that you follow Outreachy social media handles for useful information. I specifically found their X, and YouTube pages very helpful. Outreachy holds Live Q&A Sessions onYouTubefor intending applicants before each phase commences. You wouldn't want to miss this, as the information shared here will properly guide you in answering the essay question correctly.

Two major things can prevent your application from being successful:

1. The eligibility requirements: It is very important to read in detail all about Outreachy, and confirm you meet the eligibility requirements to apply. Be careful to provide any required documents to prove your availability and time commitments.

2. The four essay questions:

   Here are some general tips for acing the essay questions:

   1. Get started early. You need ample time to gather your thoughts, write them down, and organize your response.

   2. Read the questions several times over, get right to the point, and answer the specific question.

   3. Remember the Outreachy goal? When responding to each question, consider the instance in which you faced discrimination and you were the target of prejudice.

   4. Don't exceed the 1000-character limit.

   5. Allow a person or two to read and critique your piece. confirming that every question was answered accurately.

What do you need to know about each essay question?

1. Are you part of an underrepresented group (in the technology industry of the country listed above)? How are you underrepresented?

   • Mention the underrepresented groups you are a part of, as well as the particular technology industry in your country. Be specific. e.g. I am a 28-year-old married female, in Lagos, Nigeria, trying to get a job in frontend development. Expand on this and mention how it makes you underrepresented.

2. What systemic bias or discrimination would you face if you applied for a job in the technology industry of your country?

   • Mention the specific bias you would face and expand on it. e.g.,I will face religious bias as a Christian in Nigeria.

3. Does your learning environment have a few people who share your identity or background? Please provide details.

   • Mention the learning environment you belong to and show your willingness to overcome despite all the biases you face.

4. What systemic bias or discrimination have you faced while building your skills?

   • Note that this says, "while building your skills". Mention the skill you tried to build and the bias you faced. Tailor your response based on this.

Submit your application before the deadline. Accepted applicants are notified via email to commence the contribution stage. In this stage, you are required to contribute to at least one or two projects. Project mentors have a list of tasks for applicants to work on, and applicants record each task as their final submission.

Summary

Outreachy is a great opportunity, and only those who prepare well get accepted into the contribution stage. If you do not get in, apply again in the next round. Outreachy internships run twice a year, from May to August, and December to March. Improve on your essays and keep trying until you get there. Cheers!