The Linux Foundation is committed to bringing more local and international talent into the open source community, which involves reaching people who have traditionally been underrepresented in open source. Our goal is to increase access to open source training, expand diversity in technology and create a clear pathway to the most in-demand and lucrative jobs in the IT industry.

For the eighth year in a row, The Linux Foundation is hosting The Linux Foundation Training (LiFT) Scholarship Program to provide opportunities to up-and-coming developers and sysadmins who show promise for helping shape the future of Linux and open source software but do not otherwise have the ability to attend training courses.

This year’s program will award training scholarships to 16 individuals in eight categories who want to contribute to the advancement of open source software and help influence their future. In addition, 15 scholarships will be awarded in the Open Source Newbies category for a total of 31, meaning The Linux Foundation will award more scholarships in 2018 than ever before.

Applicants can be based anywhere in the world as long as they demonstrate a passion for these technologies and a proven interest in becoming an open source professional.

The Linux Foundation Training Scholarships will cover the expenses for one class to be chosen by each recipient from the Scholarship Track choices, representing thousands of dollars in value (travel expenses for in-person classes are not included). Winners in all categories may also elect to take a Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator, Linux Foundation Certified Engineer, Certified OpenStack Administrator, Cloud Foundry Certified Developer or Certified Kubernetes Administrator exam at no cost following the completion of their training course. Scholarships are supported by Linux Foundation members who place a high value on helping to train the developers and IT professionals of the future.

The Linux Foundation is offering scholarships in each of the following categories:

Linux Newbies:

ONLY OPEN TO APPLICANTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED LFS101x – INTRO TO LINUX THROUGH EDX: Individuals who are new to Linux but have learned the basics by completing the Intro to Linux online course are invited to apply. Recipients in this category will be awarded a scholarship specifically for the next course in this career-focused series – LFS201 – Essentials of System Administration as well as the Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator exam.

Teens-in-Training:

Students 13 – 18 years of age who have already started using Linux and/or open source software and want to get a head start on a career in the field.

Women in Open Source:

We invite women who have demonstrated leadership or want to take initiative in creating opportunity for themselves or other women in the Linux and open source community to submit applications in this category.

SysAdmin Super Star:

These applicants should have already begun using Linux or open source software in their workplace but want to take their work to the next level with additional training.

Developer Do-Gooder:

We invite developers who are using Linux and open source software to advance their communities to submit applications, so they might expand that good work while enhancing their skills.

Blockchain Blockbuster:

Individuals who have implemented and are using blockchain technologies in innovative ways and would benefit from advanced training.

Cloud Captain:

Applicants who are working with open source cloud native technologies and need further training to enhance their organizations’ digital transformations.

Linux Kernel Guru:

This category will recognize individuals who have already worked with the Linux kernel community and who can become more valuable contributors.

Networking Notable:

Professionals who have transformed networks using software defined networking and/or other open source solutions and want to take their networks to the next level with additional training.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm US Pacific on August 31, 2018.