> Markdown version of https://www.asyncapi.com/docs/community/maintainership-guide/amp-timeline-and-schedule
> Index: https://www.asyncapi.com/llms.txt

# AsyncAPI Maintainership Program Timeline

> This overview page outlines the AsyncAPI Maintainership Program Timeline and Schedule

The **AsyncAPI Maintainership Program** is an 18-week annual mentorship initiative that kicks off every summer. It follows a carefully structured timeline designed to foster steady growth, hands-on experience, and long-term mentorship that empowers contributors to become maintainers.
 
Here's the general timeline for each yearly cohort:

| **Phase**                            | **Timing**       | **Description**                                                                                                                                               |
| ------------------------------------ | ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Program Announcement**             | Early February   | Official program details are published, including goals, structure, and participation guidelines.                                                             |
| **Call for Mentors & Project Ideas** | Mid March        | Maintainers and prospective mentors submit project proposals and express interest in mentoring, explaining the value of their projects for the program.       |
| **Mentor & Project Selection**       | End of April     | Selected mentors are notified. Access to onboarding resources and maintainership support materials is provided.                                               |
| **Contributor Applications Open**    | Early May        | Applications open for contributors to express interest, explore available projects, and begin required tasks (e.g., submitting a draft PR or proposal).       |
| **Application Deadline**             | End of May       | Final deadline for contributors to submit their applications and complete the required tasks for their selected project.                                       |
| **Contributors Announced**           | Early June       | Selected contributors are notified and onboarded into the program. Slack channels, project resources, and kickoff materials are shared.                       |
| **Program Begins**                   | Mid June         | The mentorship officially starts. Contributors and mentors align on goals, expectations, and contribution plans for the cohort.                               |
| **Program Ends**                     | Mid October      | Contributors finalize and present their work. Mentors provide detailed feedback and discuss potential paths for continued involvement.                        |
| **Graduation & Recognition**         | Late October     | Contributors who successfully complete the program are celebrated with certificates, social spotlights, and future recommendations for roles within AsyncAPI. |

## Timeline Details

Below is a detailed breakdown of the AsyncAPI Maintainership Program timeline. Each phase is carefully designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and a high-impact learning experience for everyone involved.

**Program Announcement Period — [February 1]**

- Program coordinators publish official program details, including goals, structure, and participation guidelines.
- Program coordinators begin volunteer outreach.

**Call for Mentors & Project Proposals Period — [March 10 - April 30]:**

- Mentors sign up to participate by joining the program discussion.
- Program organizers actively reach out to potential mentors and past participants.
- New mentors are reviewed for eligibility and alignment with program values.
- Mentors propose project ideas.
- Program organizers review projects and approve or reject them.
- Selected mentors are notified and attend a short onboarding session to align expectations.
- Selected mentors list tasks for contributors to work on during the program.

**Contributor Application Period — [May 10 - May 30]**

- Contributors submit applications, selecting one or more project(s) of interest.
- Program organizers begin reviewing contributor applications.

**Contributor Selection Period — [June 1 - 12]**

- Contributors receive an email confirming the status of their application.
- Rejection emails are sent to applicants who aren't selected.
- Mentors' task lists and requirements are shared with selected contributors.
- Public announcement of selected mentees.

**Program Kickoff — [June 15]**

- Mentees are added to project Slack channels and introduced to mentors and fellow cohort members.
- Mentors and mentees align on weekly plans, goals, and expectations.
- Cohort-wide welcome call and orientation hosted by program organizers.

**Midterm Evaluations — [August 12 – 22]**

- Mentors and mentees complete mid-program evaluation forms.
- Program organizers host check-in calls with each team to assess progress and identify blockers.
- Organizers review feedback to identify any blockers, support needs, or adjustments.
- Contributors at risk of not completing the program are **flagged** for additional support.

**Final Evaluations — [October 6 – 17]**

- Mentors evaluate mentee contributions, growth, and engagement.
- Mentees evaluate the relationship, contribution, and impact of their mentor.
- Mentees complete self-assessments reflecting on their learning journey.
- Mentors and mentees participate in final feedback sessions with program organizers.
- Final project submissions are reviewed by program organizers.

**Recognition — [October 24]**

- Successful mentees are recognized with digital certificates, community spotlight features, and letters of recommendation.
- Guidance on next steps: maintainership invitations, community roles, etc.
- A public blog post and social media highlights celebrate the cohort's achievements.

**Post-Program Pathways — [Late October onwards]**

- Mentees are invited to stay involved: join working groups, continue contributing, or co-mentor the next cohort.
- Resources for maintainership, open-source leadership, and speaking opportunities at AsyncAPI global conferences are shared.

> **Note:** This is the general program timeline. In cases where a project scope extends beyond the standard schedule, organizers can work with the relevant team on a flexible timeline.