Are you a passionate beginner ready to make your mark in open source? Now is your chance to make an impact in the 2026 Google Summer of Code (GSoC) program!
For over two decades, GSoC has been a critical launchpad, consistently introducing fresh, enthusiastic talent into the open source ecosystem. The numbers speak for themselves: GSoC has connected more than 22,000 contributors with over 20,000 mentors from 1,000+ open source organizations, all collaborating to keep this vital community thriving.
Google, like everyone else, is built on open source. We depend on a healthy, vibrant open source ecosystem and want to lower the barrier to entry for people who want to contribute to the open community. Join in, learn great skills, and make an impact on people around the world.Richard Seroter, Chief Evangelist, Google Cloud
Over 3+ months, contributors spend their time collaborating on real-world projects right alongside experienced mentors and their communities. This isn't just about coding; this deep immersion in open source does more than build valuable technical skills. It cultivates a strong understanding of community dynamics, best practices, and the soft skills needed to become a truly impactful open source contributor.
Check out the trailer below to learn more about the massive impact GSoC has made over the last two-plus decades.
Join GSoC as a Mentoring Organization
Application Period: January 19 – February 3
If you're interested in your organization participating, now is the time to start! We welcome around 30 new organizations to GSoC annually—and yours could be one of them.
- Visit our website where you'll find supportive materials to get started.
- The Mentor Guide is a must-read, offering an introduction to GSoC, community engagement tips, project idea suggestions, and guidance on applying.
- Pro Tip: For 2026, we'll have an expanded focus on the AI, Security, and Machine Learning domains.
Want to be a GSoC Contributor?
Application Period: March 16 – March 31
Ready to get started? The official website is your first stop!
- Watch the Introduction to GSoC video for a quick overview.
- For more in-depth preparation, read the Contributor Guide—it's packed with insightful ideas from past participants.
- Be sure to review the program rules and FAQ to understand eligibility requirements and how the program works.
Spread the Word!
Please help us amplify the message about GSoC 2026! Share this post with your peers, family members, colleagues, universities, and anyone interested in making a real difference in the open source community.
Join us and help shape the future of open source!