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Google's embrace of the open source computing community is growing stronger and stronger. If you are a code junkie and would like to make some extra cash, Google may have just the thing for you.

In order to facilitate the open source movement's growth, Google has launched the Summer of Code initiative, which aims to introduce open source development to coders and students. By using this program, Google is promising students they will return to school with open source development experience and some extra cash in their pockets.

A description provided by Google gives an indication of the program:

This Summer, don't let your programming skills lie fallow...Use them for the greater good of Open Source Software and computer science! Google will provide a $4500 award to each student who successfully completes an open source project by the end of the Summer.

In order to assist coders who lack open source experience, Google is promising to team up novice coders with the following participating establishments: The Python Software Foundation (ideas) The Perl Foundation (submission guidelines & ideas) The Apache Software Foundation Ubuntu Linux (ideas) The Mono Project (ideas) The Gnome Foundation (ideas) The Wine Project (ideas) The Subversion Project (ideas) As indicated by Google, those who complete an open source project will be rewarded $4500. The deadline to sign-up for the Summer of Code program is June 24. For more information, please read Google's FAQ. If you are considering becoming a mentor, Google also has information to assist you: Mentoring Organization FAQ.

Chris Richardson is a search engine writer and editor for WebProNews. Visit WebProNews for the latest search news.