LFX Mentorship Program Guide

Want to work on real open-source projects like Kubernetes, Prometheus, or Zephyr — and get paid?
That’s what LFX Mentorship is all about.

🌍 What is the LFX Mentorship Program?

The LFX Mentorship (by The Linux Foundation) is a 12-week remote, paid mentorship for developers to:

• Work on real open-source projects
• Collaborate with experienced maintainers
• Learn best practices in software development
• Build credibility in OSS communities

If GSoC is the intro course, LFX is the professional upgrade.

💰 Stipend Details

Yep — it’s paid.

• Stipend: ~$3,000 USD

• Paid in 2 phases:
  → 50% at mid-term
  → 50% at successful completion

• Payout via bank transfer or PayPal (depends on your region)

✅ Who Can Apply?

You don’t need a CS degree or job experience to apply.

Requirements:

• Age: 18+
• Students, self-taught devs, or working professionals — all welcome
• No prior open-source experience needed
• Must commit:
  • ~15–20 hours/week (for part-time)
  • Or full-time if required by the project
• Willing to learn, communicate, and grow

Even if you’ve never contributed before — LFX might still take you.

🔥 Mentorship Terms

There are 3 cohorts per year:

🕒 Applications open about 6 weeks before each term starts.
Follow and keep watch on PRs on their GitHub repo to stay updated.

🧠 Why LFX Rocks

• Projects are high-quality: Kubernetes, Hyperledger, GraphQL, RISC-V, and more
• Maintainers are top engineers — this isn’t your average college mentorship
• You build real stuff. Tests, APIs, docs, CI pipelines — you name it.
• You’re treated like a team member, not just a student
• End of program = reference + repo creds + long-term value

🔍 Finding the Right Project

When projects open up, here's what to do:

1. Visit the LFX Mentorship Platform
2. Go through each project's:
   • Description
   • Required skills
   • Deliverables
3. Choose one that aligns with:
   • Your interests
   • Your current skills (or skills you’re learning)

Pro tip: Use filters like “Beginner-friendly” or “Documentation-focused” if you’re new.

📑 How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Create an LFX account
2. Fill your profile completely
   • Bio, skills, GitHub, LinkedIn, portfolio
3. Pick a project & hit apply
4. Write a proposal or motivation statement
   • Why you want to work on this project
   • How your background fits
   • Mention any relevant repos or PRs
   • Your availability (time commitment)

Optional:

• Add a PDF resume
• Link to blog posts or open-source work

🔧 How to Stand Out

You don’t have to contribute beforehand, but it seriously boosts your chances.

✅ Make 1–2 PRs to the project
✅ Join their community (chat, forums, GitHub)
✅ Show genuine interest in the project’s mission
✅ Ask smart questions in Discussions or Issues

You’re not just applying to code — you’re applying to collaborate.

✍️ What Makes a Good Proposal?

Your proposal = your pitch.

Must Include:

• Why you’re interested in the project
• Your background (education, experience)
• Any related work (PRs, articles, GitHub)
• Tools/languages you’ll use
• Weekly timeline (optional but strong bonus)
• Soft skills: communication, learning mindset

🧠 Pro Tips (From Past Mentees)

• Apply early (some mentors shortlist early)
• Quality over quantity — 1 amazing proposal > 4 lazy ones
• Ask mentors for proposal feedback (if you’ve contributed)
• Track your applications and follow up if needed

❓ Common FAQs

Q: Do I need prior experience?
A: Nope — but contributions help.

Q: Can I apply to multiple projects?
A: Yes, but customize your proposal for each one.

Q: Is it remote?
A: 100% remote. Mentors may be in any timezone.

Q: Can I do it with college or job?
A: Yes — but you need to manage your time carefully.

Q: Is there a certificate?
A: You get a digital badge and official recognition on the LFX portal.

🚀 Life After LFX

Many LFX mentees go on to:

• Get hired in OSS orgs or startups
• Become project maintainers
• Speak at open-source events
• Land full-time jobs via networking

It’s not just a 12-week thing — it can be a career launchpad.

🧪 Prep Now (Even If Apps Aren’t Open)

• Improve your GitHub profile
• Make your first OSS contribution
• Write blog posts about your work
• Learn Git + Markdown + CLI
• Explore past LFX projects and mentee experiences

🙌 Final Words

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “not ready enough” — that’s exactly when you should start.

LFX isn’t about perfection. It’s about effort, learning, and real collaboration.

So pick a project. Write your first PR. Apply like you mean it.

And maybe next term — you’ll be the one writing a blog like this.

DMs open. Happy to help.
Let’s grow in open source 🌱