Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) is software that gives the user the freedom to use, copy, study, change, 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 the gender diversity in FOSS, a number of organizations are offering Outreach Program for Women internships through a program organized by the GNOME Foundation. These internships are open to women (cis and trans) and genderqueer. The application deadline for the Outreach Program for Women is March 19 and the program dates are May 19 to August 18. In addition to coding, projects include such tasks as graphic design, user experience design, documentation, bug triage and community engagement.
To apply for this program, you need to connect with a participating organization early, select a project you want to work on, create a project plan, and make a few relevant contributions.
The mentorship opportunities are also available throughout the year for anyone interested in getting started contributing to FOSS outside of the formal internship program. In addition to the organizations participating in the Outreach Program for Women, more organizations that offer informal mentorship to all newcomers are listed here:
http://code.google.com/p/google-summer-of-code/wiki/Mentors
A collection of questions that newcomers to FOSS often have is answered in this recent article:
http://opensource.com/life/14/2/newcomer-frequently-asked-questions
Please consider applying for FOSS Outreach Program for Women, encourage someone else to apply, or help spread the word by forwarding this message to any interested university and community groups.