[00:06:13] Hari: The pilot program was a huge success, and we received a lot of positive feedback from both mentors and mentees. We decided to continue running the program for subsequent WordPress releases. And since then, we have run four cohorts of the program with over 50 mentees being onboarded.
[00:06:31] Angela: That’s fantastic. It’s so important to have that support and guidance for new contributors to feel welcomed and empowered to make meaningful contributions to the WordPress project. Can you walk us through what the mentorship program looks like for those who are interested in participating?
[00:06:47] Hari: Of course. So, the Contributor Mentorship Program is designed to be accessible to new contributors with little to no prior experience with contributing to WordPress. The program typically runs for four to six weeks and coincides with a major WordPress release cycle. Mentees are paired with a mentor who guides them through the process of finding a contribution focus, understanding the contribution process, and making their first contribution to the project.
[00:07:11] Hari: Mentors and mentees meet weekly for one-on-one sessions to discuss progress, address any questions or challenges, and provide feedback. In addition to the one-on-one sessions, there are also cohort-based activities, such as group discussions, workshops, and social events, to foster a sense of community and camaraderie among participants.
[00:07:31] Angela: That sounds like a really supportive and collaborative environment for new contributors to learn and grow. How can someone get involved in the Contributor Mentorship Program?
[00:07:42] Hari: To get involved in the Contributor Mentorship Program, interested individuals can sign up for the program through the WordPress Community Team blog. The program typically opens for applications a few weeks before the start of a new release cycle. Once the application period closes, applicants are matched with mentors based on their interests, skills, and availability.
[00:08:04] Hari: Mentees are expected to commit to the program for the duration of the cycle and actively participate in the weekly mentorship sessions and cohort activities. At the end of the program, mentees are encouraged to continue their contributions to the WordPress project and may even have the opportunity to become mentors themselves in future cohorts.
[00:08:25] Angela: That’s a great way to pay it forward and help support the next generation of contributors. What are some of the key benefits of participating in the Contributor Mentorship Program?
[00:08:36] Hari: There are many benefits to participating in the Contributor Mentorship Program. For mentees, the program offers a structured and supportive environment to learn about the WordPress project, gain hands-on experience with contributing to open source, and build relationships with other contributors. Mentees also have the opportunity to receive personalized guidance and feedback from experienced mentors, which can help them navigate the sometimes overwhelming world of open source contribution.
[00:08:59] Hari: For mentors, the program provides an opportunity to give back to the community, share their knowledge and expertise, and help shape the future of the WordPress project by empowering new contributors. Mentors also have the chance to hone their leadership and communication skills, build relationships with mentees, and contribute to the growth and diversity of the WordPress community.
[00:09:21] Angela: It’s clear that the Contributor Mentorship Program has a lot to offer both mentees and mentors. What are some of the success stories or impact stories that have come out of the program?
[00:09:33] Hari: There have been many success stories and impact stories that have come out of the Contributor Mentorship Program. Mentees who have participated in the program have gone on to make significant contributions to the WordPress project, such as submitting patches, writing documentation, organizing events, and more. Some mentees have even become mentors themselves and have continued to pay it forward by helping others get started with contributing to WordPress.
[00:09:56] Hari: Mentors have also seen the impact of their guidance and support on mentees, helping them build confidence, develop new skills, and become active members of the WordPress community. The program has helped foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among participants, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for new contributors to thrive.
[00:10:16] Angela: It’s truly inspiring to see the positive impact that the Contributor Mentorship Program has had on so many individuals and the WordPress community as a whole. Thank you so much, Hari, for sharing your insights and experiences with us today.
[00:10:29] Hari: Thank you, Angela, for having me. It’s been a pleasure to talk about the Contributor Mentorship Program and the incredible work being done by the WordPress community to support new contributors. I encourage anyone who is interested in getting involved in the program to check out the WordPress Community Team blog for more information on how to participate.
[00:10:47] Angela: And that’s a wrap for this episode of the WordPress Briefing. Thank you for tuning in, and we’ll catch you next time for more insights into the world of WordPress and the amazing community that surrounds it. Until then, happy contributing!
[00:11:00] (Outro Music)
[00:11:10] Angela: This episode of the WordPress Briefing was brought to you by the WordPress open source project. If you would like to get involved in the contributor mentorship program or learn more about Five for the Future, visit WordPress.org to find out how you can contribute to the success of the project. Thank you for listening, and we hope to see you in the WordPress community soon.
The cohort working together for four weeks resulted in 11 mentees graduating after making impactful contributions to the project, with over half of the cohort staying on to make long-term contributions. The success of the first cohort led to the launch of the second cohort in February 2024, with 52 participants, of which 44 graduated from the program. This mentorship program has proven to be a valuable resource for new WordPress contributors and mentors alike.
For new contributors, the program offers a chance to kick off their WordPress contributor journey by making initial contributions with the help of a mentor. Participants also gain valuable insights into the WordPress project and its release process, as well as the opportunity to network with experienced contributors. Additionally, the program allows new contributors to learn valuable skills that can be applied in real-world scenarios.
Mentors also benefit from the program by enhancing their skills, expanding their network within the WordPress community, and gaining fulfillment from guiding new contributors. Mentoring new contributors can also help mentors bolster their leadership and communication skills, which are valuable in any professional context.
The impact and results of the mentorship program are evident in the success of the mentees who have graduated from the program. Many mentees have continued to make impactful contributions to the project, with some even receiving recognition for their contributions to WordPress releases. The program has also produced new core contributors and has seen a high level of satisfaction among mentees.
The success of the program can be attributed to the updates and iterations made by the Contributor Working Group between the first and second cohorts. One significant change was the design of cohorts around contributor projects, which has helped mentees better navigate the WordPress ecosystem and make important contributions. The program has not only helped new contributors make their mark in the WordPress community but has also fostered a sense of belonging and sustainability within the project.
Overall, the mentorship program has proven to be a valuable resource for both new contributors and mentors in the WordPress community. By providing guidance, support, and valuable skills, the program has helped shape the next generation of WordPressers and has contributed to the continued growth and success of the project. The scholarship is in honor of Kim Parcell, a beloved member of the WordPress community who passed away in 2022. The scholarship is open to anyone who identifies as a woman or non-binary and is interested in attending a WordCamp or related WordPress event. The scholarship covers the cost of the event ticket, travel, and accommodation expenses. Applications for the scholarship are now open, and more information can be found on the WordPress Foundation website.
Lastly, the WordPress Core team is currently working on the development of WordPress 6.7. Some of the key features being worked on include improvements to the block editor, enhancements to the site health tool, and updates to the media library. If you are interested in getting involved in the development of WordPress 6.7, you can join the Core team meetings and contribute to the discussions and decisions being made.
In conclusion, the future of the Contributor Mentorship Program looks bright, with plans for future cohorts already in the works. The next cohort, set to run alongside WordPress 6.7, will focus on providing more opportunities for mentees to get involved in the release process early on, as well as incorporating more learn-up sessions and project work. Additionally, there are plans to expand scholarship opportunities for contributors, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. If you are interested in getting involved in the program as a mentor or mentee, be sure to keep an eye out for the call for interest and sign up when it becomes available. The program offers a valuable opportunity to learn and contribute to the WordPress community, so don’t miss out on being a part of it. The WordPress community is a vibrant and diverse group of individuals who come together to share their knowledge, skills, and passion for all things WordPress. From developers to designers to content creators, there is a place for everyone in the WordPress ecosystem. One of the core values of the WordPress community is inclusivity, and there are various initiatives and programs in place to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate and contribute to the community.
One such initiative is the Kim Parcell Scholarship, which is awarded to a current WordPress contributor who is a woman and has not previously attended WordCamp US. This scholarship is named in honor of Kim Parcell, a long-time contributor to the WordPress project who has made significant contributions to the community. The scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to the recipient to attend WordCamp US, which will be held in Portland, Oregon this year.
The scholarship covers travel expenses from the recipient’s home city to Portland, accommodation at a hotel during the event, and a ticket to WordCamp US. This support is crucial for individuals who may not have the financial means to attend the event otherwise, and it helps to ensure that the WordPress community remains diverse and inclusive.
In addition to the Kim Parcell Scholarship, there are other opportunities for WordPress enthusiasts to connect and learn from each other. WordCamp Europe is another major event in the WordPress calendar, and this year it will be held in Torino, Italy. Tickets are still available for those who wish to attend, and it promises to be an exciting and informative event for all attendees.
For those who are unable to make it to Europe, there are plenty of other WordPress events happening around the world. These events are a great way to meet fellow WordPress enthusiasts, learn from experts in the field, and stay up to date on the latest trends and developments in the WordPress ecosystem. If there are no events happening in your area, you can even take the initiative to become an event organizer and host your own local WordPress meetup.
The WordPress community is a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals of all backgrounds and skill levels can come together to learn, share, and grow. Whether you are a seasoned developer or a complete beginner, there is a place for you in the WordPress community. By taking advantage of opportunities like the Kim Parcell Scholarship and attending events like WordCamp US and WordCamp Europe, you can expand your network, gain new skills, and contribute to the vibrant and thriving WordPress ecosystem.
So, if you are a woman who is currently contributing to the WordPress project and has not yet attended WordCamp US, be sure to apply for the Kim Parcell Scholarship before the May 30th deadline. And if you are unable to attend WordCamp US, be sure to check out other upcoming WordPress events in your area or consider becoming an event organizer yourself. The WordPress community is waiting for you to join and contribute to its continued success and growth.
