Outreachy Community Participation Call for December 2026 Cohort
Outreachy has opened its Call for Community Participation for the December 2026 internship cohort, inviting free and open source software communities to participate in the programme. New communities can submit applications, while experienced open source contributors are encouraged to serve as mentors and propose internship projects.
Join a programme focused on increasing diversity in open source and supporting people who face underrepresentation, systemic bias, or other barriers to participation in technology.
Quick Highlights
Opportunity Name
Outreachy Community Participation December 2026
Programme
Outreachy Internship Programme
Cohort
December 2026
For
Free & Open Source Software Communities
Role
Host Community / Mentor
Internship Period
7 December 2026 – 8 March 2027
Community Deadline
11 September 2026 (4:00 PM UTC)
Mentor Project Deadline
11 September 2026 (4:00 PM UTC)
Opportunity Overview
Host Organisation
Outreachy
Programme Name
Outreachy Internship Programme
Cohort
December 2026
Opportunity Type
Community Participation Call
Role
Host Community / Mentor
Target Audience
Free & Open Source Software Communities
Application Mode
Online Application
About Outreachy
Outreachy is a programme focused on increasing diversity in open source and supporting people who face underrepresentation, systemic bias, or other barriers to participation in technology and open source communities. The programme provides paid, remote internships through participating free and open source software communities.
Interns contribute to real-world projects while gaining practical experience, mentorship, and opportunities to build professional networks within the open source ecosystem.
Who Can Participate as a Community?
New Communities
Aspect
Details
Eligibility
Free and open source software communities that have never participated
Requirement
Must complete a new community application
Preparation
Review official community participation guidance
Past Communities
Aspect
Details
Eligibility
Communities already listed among previous participants
Requirement
Coordinators should use existing community page to register
Note
Do not submit a new application
Mentors
Aspect
Details
Eligibility
Experienced contributors within participating communities
Requirement
Review mentor guidance before submitting project descriptions
Role
Provide technical guidance and support to interns
Key Dates for December 2026 Cohort
Activity
Date
Community Sign-Up Opens
17 August 2026, 4:00 PM UTC
Initial Applications Open
24 August 2026, 4:00 PM UTC
Initial Application Deadline
31 August 2026, 4:00 PM UTC
Community Sign-Up Deadline
11 September 2026, 4:00 PM UTC
Mentor Project Submission Deadline
11 September 2026, 4:00 PM UTC
Contribution Period Begins
5 October 2026
Contribution Period Ends
2 November 2026
Final Application Deadline
2 November 2026, 4:00 PM UTC
Intern Selection Deadline
16 November 2026
Outreachy Organisers Finalise Selections
20 November 2026
Interns Publicly Announced
30 November 2026, 4:00 PM UTC
Internship Period
7 December 2026 – 8 March 2027
Participating and Past Communities
Category
Examples
Programming Languages
Python, Rust, R
Operating Systems
Linux Kernel, Debian, Fedora
Web Technologies
WordPress, Mozilla, Wikimedia Foundation
Cloud/Infrastructure
Kubernetes, OpenStack
Data Science
TensorFlow, QGIS
Open Source Tools
GNOME, LibreOffice
Humanitarian/Health
OpenMRS, Open Data Kit, UNICEF Innovation, Ushahidi
Digital Rights
Creative Commons
Geospatial
OpenStreetMap
Other Areas
Scientific computing, data science, cybersecurity, digital rights, humanitarian technology, health technology, open science, software development
How New Communities Can Apply
Step
Action
1
Review the community participation guide
2
Check the list of past communities to determine participation status
3
If the community has participated before: use existing community page to register
4
If new: submit a new community application
5
Ensure the community can provide suitable internship projects
6
Ensure effective mentorship and an inclusive environment
7
Submit application before 11 September 2026 (4:00 PM UTC)
Why Communities Should Participate
Reason
Description
Broaden Participation
Opportunity to broaden participation within projects
New Talent
Benefit from contributions from new and diverse talent
Mentorship
Support emerging contributors and strengthen community
Skill Development
Help interns develop practical skills through meaningful open source work
Diversity & Inclusion
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in technology
Structured Framework
Structured framework for mentorship, paid remote work, and contribution
A programme increasing diversity in open source with paid remote internships
When is the December 2026 cohort?
7 December 2026 – 8 March 2027
Who can participate as a community?
Free and open source software communities
Can new communities apply?
Yes, new communities must complete a new community application
Can past communities participate?
Yes, coordinators should use existing community page to register
What is the role of mentors?
Provide technical guidance and support to interns
What is the deadline?
11 September 2026 (4:00 PM UTC)
What are the contribution periods?
5 October – 2 November 2026
What communities have participated?
Python, Linux Kernel, Debian, Mozilla, Wikimedia, WordPress, Kubernetes, and many more
How do I apply?
Through the Outreachy community participation page
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The Outreachy Call for Community Participation for the December 2026 cohort offers open source communities a valuable opportunity to contribute to diversity and inclusion in technology. The programme provides a structured framework for paid, remote internships that benefit both interns and participating communities.
For open source communities, Outreachy offers access to new talent, opportunities to broaden participation, and a structured mentorship framework. For mentors, it provides the chance to support emerging contributors and strengthen their communities. For interns, Outreachy offers practical experience, mentorship, and professional networks in the open source ecosystem.
The broad range of participating communities—from major projects like Python, Linux Kernel, and Kubernetes to humanitarian and health technology projects—demonstrates the programme's reach across the open source ecosystem. Communities of all sizes and focus areas are welcome to apply.
Best Opportunity For
Category
Suitable
Open Source Communities
✓
FOSS Projects
✓
Technology Organisations
✓
Humanitarian/Health Tech Projects
✓
Scientific Computing Projects
✓
Data Science Projects
✓
Cybersecurity Projects
✓
Digital Rights Projects
✓
Competition Level
Category
Level
Overall Competition
Moderate to High
Selection Difficulty
Moderate
Application Complexity
Low to Moderate
CareerFlora Recommendation
Recommendation Area
Details
Overall Rating
★★★★★
Community Impact
Excellent
Diversity Impact
Excellent
Application Difficulty
Low to Moderate
Deadline
11 September 2026
This opportunity is highly recommended for open source communities committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in technology. The Outreachy programme offers a structured framework for hosting paid remote internships and building a more diverse contributor base.
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Final Call-to-Action
Visit the official Outreachy Community Participation page to review the complete guidelines and submit your application. New communities should review the community participation guide and complete the application. Past communities should use their existing community page to register. Submit before the 11 September 2026 (4:00 PM UTC) deadline.
This article is for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details and eligibility requirements from the official Outreachy source before applying. CareerFlora does not guarantee the accuracy of third-party information.
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