Date:
11 January 2023
Author:
Joshua Fernandes

About Discover Drupal

The Discover Drupal program has been set up to uplift people and close the talent gap for junior developers. It gives students the tools, knowledge and connections to succeed. People from historically oppressed communities who are interested in a career in Drupal can get scholarships, mentorship and hands-on training. They also get a laptop they can use for Drupal work.

Some highlights of the program:

  • Discover Drupal students are committing to a 1-1.5 year long program
  • Private Slack channel with a dedicated community support network (consistent engagement in this channel is important for program success!)
  • Weekly Slack stand-ups to keep everyone on track
  • Office hours where all can connect and share experiences or discuss any issues and get support from the wider members
  • A laptop suitable for a Drupal environment

The course is divided under two programs each led by a team of experts in the Drupal industry:

Read more about Discover DrupalExternal Link

Working with Discover Drupal

I’ve been part of the Discover Drupal program over the last year as a mentor. As a mentor, we help trainees to complete the course. For example, we:

  • Provide asynchronous support via Slack channels as needed
  • Help students with difficulties/questions that arise during the week in real time via weekly 1:1 video sessions
  • Help students connect with the larger community
  • Help them with resources to improve their learning

In addition to helping them with technical knowledge, we also boost their morale and provide emotional support if/when it’s needed.

The weekly 1:1 connections are the best way to revisit what has been done over the week. It's the time where doubts are cleared and knowledge sharing happens.

The program is in its second year and had a great start with students who have an insatiable appetite for knowledge and a positive, can-do attitude.

Meet the 2022-2023 Discover Drupal Student Cohort!External Link