Open Source Student Network
The Mozilla Open Source Student Network (OSSN) is a network of college students and clubs in the United States and Canada who share the belief that open source software is the engine that powers innovation. Members connect with and support each other, learning and sharing with each other in order to contribute to open source projects.
Examples of clubs that join the OSSN include Linux User Groups, Open Source Clubs, and Computer Science clubs. Your club doesn’t have to be explicitly associated with or already working on open source projects! Your club can join the network by filling out this form. If your college doesn’t have any clubs like this but you want to start one, fill out the form anyways and we’ll help you get started.
History
Mozilla saw that computer science students want to contribute to open source projects but don’t necessarily know how to get started or find a project/issue that fits their skill level. The Open Innovation team at Mozilla surveyed students in 2017 and found that 2 out of 10 students had already contributed to an open source project. Of the remaining 8 students, 2 had not contributed to an open source project but were curious and 6 were interested in contributing and had participated in hackathons, where typically the code that is created is available on GitHub, even if it is not technically licensed to be open source.
The OSSN benefits both students and the open source community as a whole. Open source projects always need more contributors, and what better than college students who are hungry to learn and make a difference? Mozilla and other open source companies gain more direct access to a talented pool of developers, which benefits the company and the students.
The Network
Students in the network gain access to a community of like-minded fellow college students, mentors, and Mozilla employees. The ultimate goal is to empower students to:
- Build a safe and inclusive community at your college where you can connect, collaborate and share
- Advance your skills beyond the classroom and into projects that make a difference in the world. For example, OpenStreetMap is an open-source, editable map of the world that is often used during disaster relief efforts.
- Set up Open Source projects that solve local problems and at the same time foster the global ecosystem. For example: https://github.com/jackrosenthal/voteserver
- Advocate for software that is open and accessible to all
Other benefits of joining the OSSN include:
- Access to a private Slack group and mailing list consisting of fellow clubs and members
- Monthly group video calls to share successes, discuss challenges, learn about opportunities such as conferences and hackathons, and discuss ideas for events and projects
- Access to speakers and mentors (including Mozilla employees)
- $100 pizza vouchers for your club
- Invitation to the annual OSSN Summit, a chance to meet each other in-person and discuss
Our Supporters
We work closely with other major groups and organizations already in this space like POSSE, GitHub, The GNOME Project and Red Hat. Get in contact if your company or organization would like to support us.
How to join You can register your college’s club by filling out this form. Check out our FAQ page for answers to common questions, or send us an email at ossn@mozilla.com.
