KDE Part of Google Code-in

This year, KDE is delighted to have been chosen to take part in Google Code-in. Following the success of Google Summer of Code in previous years, Google Code-in is a new program to encourage pre-university students to contribute to free software communities. Like other participating organizations, KDE has provided a list of tasks that can be completed in short timeframes ranging from a few hours to a few days, whether they be simple bug fixes, documentation tasks or outreach projects and more. KDE has contributed a list of projects, each with a dedicated mentor from KDE to guide the student through the process and judge whether the task is completed satisfactorily. KDE's Google Code-in coordinator, Lydia Pintscher, explained why KDE wanted to take part: "We are always excited to be able to introduce new people to a great Free Software community working on changing the world one step at a time. We're offered an excellent program with Google Code-in to help students make their first contributions early in their life hopefully opening a lot of opportunities for their future."

Google Code-in begins at 08:00 UTC on 22 November 2010 and the first KDE projects will be available then, although more will be added later. Google Code-in ends on 10 January 2011. Anyone aged between 13 and 18 on 22 November can take part as long as they are in pre-university education and have their parents' consent (see contest rules for details on eligibility). In addition to gaining skills by completing the tasks and becoming part of the KDE community, all students who successfully complete a task will receive a t-shirt and certificate. Students will also revive US$100 for every three tasks they complete, up to a maximum payment of US$500 per student. There will also be grand prizes for students accumulating the most points. Full details can be found on the Google Code-in FAQ and the timeline.

KDE's projects cover a wide range of topics, from coding, through documentation and exciting outreach projects such as the preparation of screencasts and promotional videos. By accepting a KDE task, you will get to make a genuine contribution to KDE and work with experienced contributors so it is an excellent way to get involved. We hope you will choose to join KDE in Google Code-in.