Summer Fellowship 2026
Get paid to learn open-source development, blockchain, and AI in Vancouver, BC. No coding experience required.
Apply NowProgram Overview
The RATi™ Open Software Foundation Summer Fellowship is a unique opportunity for Canadian youth (ages 15–30) to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology—open-source software development, blockchain, and AI—while getting paid to learn and contribute to meaningful public-benefit projects.
Based in Vancouver, BC. No prior coding experience required. We're looking for curious minds eager to learn, collaborate, and make an impact.
Program Details
Duration
6–16 weeks, full-time
April 20 – August 29, 2026
Compensation
Paid position
Formal employment contract
Location
Vancouver, BC
Hybrid format with in-person sessions
Community
Small cohort environment
Mentorship and team collaboration
Who Should Apply
- Canadian youth aged 15–30
- Available full-time for the summer (30–40 hours/week)
- Curious about technology, open source, or AI
- Based in or able to relocate to Vancouver, BC
No prior programming experience needed—just bring your curiosity and willingness to learn.
What You'll Learn
📚 Digital Literacy & AI Education
- Blockchain technology and tokens
- AI agents and their applications
- Online safety and security
- Demystifying technical jargon
💻 Open-Source Skills Development
- Git version control
- Issue tracking and project management
- Pull requests and code review
- Basic UX design principles
- Technical writing and documentation
What You'll Build
This isn't busywork. You'll contribute to real projects that others will actually use—and everything you create stays yours to share and build on.
Past fellows have worked on:
- Educational guides explaining blockchain and AI concepts in plain language
- Open-source tools that make technical topics more accessible
- Documentation that helps the next wave of learners get started faster
All work is released under open-source licenses—free for anyone to use, study, and improve.
How to Apply
Send us an email with:
About You
- Your name and contact info
- A bit about your background
Statement of Interest
- Why you're interested in this fellowship (300 words max)
- What you hope to learn or build
Availability
- Confirm you can commit full-time for the summer
- Confirm you can attend weekly sessions in Vancouver
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior coding experience?
No! We welcome youth from all backgrounds. Interest and willingness to learn are more important than existing skills.
Do I need to be a student?
No. The program is open to all Canadian youth aged 15–30, whether you're in school, between jobs, or exploring new directions.
Is the fellowship paid?
Yes, this is a paid full-time summer position (30–40 hours/week) with formal employment by the Foundation.
Where is the program based?
The program is based in Vancouver, BC. You'll need to be able to attend regular in-person sessions.
What happens to the work I create?
All work is released as open-source under permissive licenses for public educational use.
Questions?
Have questions about the fellowship? We'd love to hear from you.