What is the Scholars and Guides Program?
The Scholars and Guides Program is a mentorship program for aspiring Rubyists interested in learning more about the Ruby programming language, expanding their professional toolkits, and having help navigating the Ruby Central conferences, RubyConf, and RailsConf.
How does it work?
Scholars are paired with a Guide who will help them navigate the conference, provide guidance on their coding skills, and help them build relationships with other Rubyists. Scholars are tasked with completing a mini-project for a chance to share their work, experiences, or interests with the community.
Scholars and Guides timeline:
Applications are now open throughout the year. Please pay attention to the deadlines in order to be considered for particular events.
- Scholar and Guide application open: February
- RailsConf 2025 Scholar and Guide application deadline: March 18th, 2025
- RailsConf 2025 Scholars accepted: mid-April
- RailsConf 2025 Scholar and Guide Virtual Meetup: end of June
- Scholar mini-project presentations: July 8 - 10
What is a mini-project?
Scholars can choose any topic they are interested in and will work with their Guide to present their project as a Lightning Talk or in a format they choose (i.e., blog, program design, etc.). The program is an opportunity for aspiring and experienced programmers to work together in a fun and creative way and to create new pathways to reach their respective goals. Check out the mini-project guidelines for more details.
Why apply as a "Scholar" for the Scholars and Guides program?
If you want to get more immersed in the Ruby community and learn from experienced developers, the Scholars and Guides program provides you that and more! Scholars can gain exposure and the opportunity to connect with leaders in the field. You'll get a 1:1 mentorship that helps you tackle your different goals and challenges along with making incredible connections and friendships in the global Ruby community. Benefits of participating in the program include:
- A complimentary ticket to a Ruby or Rails conference
- Mentorship from experienced programmers and developers
- Networking with fellow Rubyists and Speakers at the Speakers & Scholars Reception Event
- Access to a Slack community channel to share resources and connect before, during, and even after the conference
- A professional spotlight of your headshot and socials on the conference webpage
- An opportunity to interview for our Newsletter to discuss your experience as a Ruby Central Scholar.
- Dedicated front-row seating at all the conference keynotes
Scholar requirements
The program is open to community members interested in learning the Ruby programming language; however, applicants from underrepresented communities within tech are highly encouraged to apply. Scholars must meet the following requirements:
- Be 18 years or older during the time of application submission
- Complete a mandatory mini-project that will be undertaken alongside an assigned Guide. A mini-project is an opportunity to present any subject or research to either your program peers or a larger audience at the 5-minute Lightning Talks. Ideas include community awareness, ongoing projects, passion research, or learning new coding skills. These projects facilitate skill growth and inspire others through your findings.
- Attend 3 required meet-ups: Speakers & Scholars Receptions; Pre-conference meeting; Post-conference meeting
- Not have been a past Scholar
The program is limited to a certain number of scholars, so early application is encouraged. We encourage applicants to answer our application questions fully to help us gain insight into who you are and your goals.
** Scholar Alumni who successfully complete the Scholars program receive discounts at all Ruby Central conferences. If you are interested in "paying it forward" or learning more, email us at scholarships@rubycentral.org
Why apply as a "Guide" for the Scholars and Guides program?
Volunteering as a Guide (mentor) in the Ruby community promotes growth, knowledge sharing, and inclusivity. By guiding others, especially newcomers, you help them navigate challenges, develop their skills, and boost their confidence. Being a Guide allows you to stay connected with the latest trends, refine your own expertise, and build lasting professional relationships, all while contributing to the success of others in the Ruby ecosystem. Other benefits of participating in the program include:
- A discounted ticket to a Ruby or Rails conference
- 1:1 mentorship opportunity
- Networking with fellow Rubyists and Speakers at the Speakers & Scholars Reception Event
- Access to a Slack community channel to share resources and connect before, during, and even after the conference
- A professional spotlight of your headshot and socials on the conference webpage
- An opportunity to interview for our Newsletter to discuss your experience as a Ruby Central Guide.
- Dedicated front-row seating at all the conference keynotes
Guide requirements
Guides support the Scholars through mentorship, guidance, and professional networking leading up to and during the conference. Guides should be familiar with the Ruby and/or Rails community and can create networking opportunities, and will help the Scholar navigate a professional conference. We seek Guides who can:
- Commit to supporting and actively mentoring aspiring Rubyists by offering guidance and insight throughout your Scholars' mini-project.
- Recommend conference talks based on Scholars' interests, current skill levels, and experiences.
- Make introductions between your Scholar and established developers, especially ones that might be particularly influential in their areas of interest.
- Give feedback and advice on working in the Ruby/Rails world.
- Obligation to attend 3 meet-ups: Speakers & Scholars Receptions; Pre-conference meeting; Post-conference meeting
Questions?
If there are any inquiries about the scholarship program, please reach us at scholarships@rubycentral.org.
