By Taylor Dolezal, Head of Ecosystem, CNCF

The Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) is thrilled to announce our second cohort of the Zero to Merge program. This comprehensive four-week journey empowers participants to make meaningful contributions to CNCF projects. The program will run from June 10th to July 3rd, 2024, with live sessions every Monday and Wednesday.

The Zero to Merge program is designed for enthusiastic learners with some programming experience and an understanding of cloud native principles. Over the four weeks, participants will engage in live sessions, practical activities, peer collaboration, and guided learning resources. They will develop a deep understanding of CNCF and open source contributions, learn to identify issues in CNCF projects, write effective pull requests, and collaborate with project maintainers.

Our carefully selected cohort represents diverse individuals from various backgrounds, locations, and experience levels, with participants from over 20 countries. The cohort comprises students, independent contributors, and professionals from renowned companies, bringing a wealth of knowledge and unique perspectives.

Our core values of Empowerment, Collaboration, Inclusivity, Quality, Transparency, and Adaptability will be at the heart of the program, offering a welcoming and supportive environment that encourages openness, mutual learning, and innovation. By the end of the program, participants will have the skills and confidence to contribute meaningfully to CNCF projects and be part of a vibrant community that values diversity, creativity, and innovation.

We are excited to embark on this journey with our exceptional cohort, representing various interests within the cloud native ecosystem. From Kubernetes and application deployment to observability and security, our participants bring diverse skills and passions. With representatives from notable organizations, independent contributors, and students from esteemed institutions, we anticipate a dynamic and enriching exchange of ideas.

The Zero to Merge program is not just about merging code; it’s about fostering a culture of collaboration, learning, and growth. We look forward to witnessing our cohort’s incredible contributions and achievements as they embark on this transformative journey. Together, we will shape the future of open source and build a stronger, more engaged community.

If you want to join us for a future cohort, check out our sign-up page for more details.