Google Resources for USIU-Africa Students

Brought to you by your awesome GSA, Wiza.

Google Summer of Code 2015 Stuff

Hey! You must be here because you're a USIU student and you're interested in applying for the Google Summer of Code (GSoC) 2015. This page is to guide you through what you need to do in order to prepare to submit a good application. Right now, there's good news and bad news.

The good news is that if you follow these steps carefully, you'll be that much closer to acquiring new skills, real world experience, contacts and US$ 5, 500 (KSH 503, 522.22).
The bad news is that right now, you have a lot of form filling to do.

You may download the GSoC 2015 Presentation I used at the primer. Follow the steps below carefully and let's get you closer to GSoC!

Step 1 - Sign Up for Google Updates for USIU-Africa

Okay, this one isn't really related to GSoC specifically, but, If you want to get alerts and updates on all things Google at USIU, please fill out this form and I will be contacting you whenever something new comes up.

Step 2 - Go Google

Login to your Google Account or sign up if you don't have one already (which would be really shameful, it's 2015).
You'll be using your Google account a lot for this thing so make sure it's one that you check frequently and isn't embarrassing. (I'm looking at you sexymama43@gmail.com people).

Step 3 - Primer Feedback

If you attended the GSoC Primer event I hosted at USIU on Tuesday 17th February, 2015 then I would really appreciate it if you filled out this simple feedback form. It will help me to make sure the event met it's targets and to plan better events in the future.

You may also find me on different social media if you ever want to catch up.

• Wiza on Google+
• Wiza on Twitter
• Wiza on Instagram
• Wiza on Facebook (boringish)

Step 4 - Get Familiar

Download or read the Google Summer of Code Student Guide. This will probably have answers to all your questions about the program and the process. The student application for GSoC doesn't begin for a while so you should definitely check out the GSoC 2015 FAQ on the Google-Melange website to get familiar with the process and the important dates. Don't skip this step, it's easily the most important one.

Step 5 - Team Up

Join the GSoKites Virtual Classroom (GVC) on Google+ to talk to other students from Africa who are applying for GSoC 2015. These guys will be your preferred point of contact if you need some assistance with anything related to the program.

• Join the GSoC 2015 Official Discussion Mailing List on Google Groups and talk to other students from all over the world who are interested in applying for GSoC. This is where you may identify suitable people to work with together on a proposal.

Join the GSoKites Virtual Classroom Mailing List on Google Groups to get updates on what's happening in the program and what to do next.

Join the official GSoC 2015 Announcements Mailing List on Google Groups to get the most important announcements from the people organising the program.

Step 6 - Get Gitty

If you don't have one already, set up an account on a decent git platform. I recommend GitHub. You'll probably be using a git platform to collaborate on coding during the GSoC program so it's much better if you get familiar with it now. Of course, you'll need to learn how to use git.

If you really want to learn git well, I recommend you take the free Udacity course.

Step 7 - Make Something

Part of the GSoC application considers whether or not you have participated in open source software development before, so it would be really really helpful towards your application if you already have some software that you contributed to. If you have never done any open source development before, get a bunch of people and team up to do a simple open source application project. If you use a public git platform, like GitHub, and then you let me know about it, you can even get virtual mentors to give you feedback.

Either way, if you do this step, it will make a HUGE difference in your chances for a successful application.

Step 8 - Notify GSA

If you have decided that you are definitely going to apply for the Google Summer of Code 2015 and you are excited about open source, then please let me know that you will be applying by filling out this form and I will work with you on your proposal and your application to put you in the best possible position to be accepted for GSoC.

Step 9 - Wait Patiently

Now you wait. If you haven't already, fill out the Google Updates for USIU-Africa Form and that's how I'll update you on everything Google in USIU-Africa.

Remember, if you need any help or clarification on anything, feel free to contact me.