Hello everyone -
The Wikimedia Foundation will apply as a mentoring organization for Google Summer of Code 2026 https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/. We are looking for thoughtful projects and dedicated mentors for the program. If you would like to propose a project, please submit your idea by January 26, 2026 via this Phabricator task: https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T414121. Please note that you need at least two mentors per project.
GSoC Timeline
In your role as a mentor, your involvement spans two periods: the contributor application period (February to March) and the coding period (May to August).
February to March: During the contributor application period, you'll guide candidates in making small contributions to your project and address any project-related queries they may have. You will then select the contributor that you would like to work with during the coding period.
May to August: During the coding period, you'll further intensify your collaboration with the accepted contributor. As a mentor, you will provide guidance such as pointers to useful documentation, code reviews, etc. In addition to providing GSoC contributors with feedback and pointers, you will act as an ambassador to help GSoC contributors integrate into the Wikimedia community. Your support and guidance are crucial to their success in the program.
Guidelines for crafting project proposals
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Submit your projects proposals by January 26, 2026 -
Use the task template when you propose a project in Phabricator -
Projects should require an experienced developer ~15 days and a newcomer ~3 months to complete -
Each project should have at least two mentors, including one with a technical background -
Ideally, the project has no tight deadlines, a moderate learning curve, and fewer dependencies on Wikimedia's core infrastructure -
For more guidance, see: https://google.github.io/gsocguides/mentor/defining-a-project-ideas-list
Learn more about the responsibilities of mentors:
https://google.github.io/gsocguides/mentor/
We especially recommend these sections:
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https://google.github.io/gsocguides/mentor/community-bonding-period -
https://google.github.io/gsocguides/mentor/setting-expectations
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Thank you! - Lani, on behalf of the Developer Outreach team