Paul Johnson

Some of you may remember that a couple of weeks ago I wrote about how The Perl Foundation was hoping to take part in the Google Code-in 2011 (GCI) and I badgered you for help in providing tasks and acting as mentors in the programme.

I am happy to announce that the application of The Perl Foundation has been officially accepted and Perl will be taking part in GCI 2011. This is due in large measure to the wonderful reaction to our appeals which has lead to numerous high quality tasks being added to the ideas page and many selfless developers volunteering to be mentors. Without your assistance our application would not have been successful, so thank you very much to everyone involved.

But the tasks are only part of the story. Undoubtedly the track record that Perl has in GSOC as well as last year's GCI was a contributing factor, as was the leadership of Florian Ragwitz and Mark Keating. So many thanks to everyone who has brought us to this point.

Of course, we're now just at the start of the programme though. We have tasks and mentors, but it's not too late to add more. So please continue to add tasks and sign up as a mentors. Look at my previous post if you need ideas.

But we also need students! Mark Keating has provided information on The Perl Foundation's website including two flyers to post in appropriate locations. Remember that GCI is for students aged between 13 and 17 who do not attend university. They do not necessarily have to be studying a computing course. Students have to opportunity of earning up to $500 and the chance of a trip to visit Google's headquarters. Students will be able to start working on tasks on 21st November 2011.

So yes, this is another appeal for help. Please spread the word and help us find students for this programme. We often hear about the need to attract new people into the Perl community. If you would like to do more than just talk about it, this is a perfect opportunity.