01
Contribute to Rocky Linux
The flagship program: students contribute to a real enterprise Linux distribution alongside a global community.
Linux Association of Canada presents
School OutreachProgram
Preparing Canada’s next generation of open source leaders through educational resources, real-world projects, mentorship, and industry opportunities.
12Program Pillars
K–12+K–12 through post-secondary
100%Real Open Source Work
CACoast to Coast
Our Vision
Connecting Education with the Open Source Ecosystem
Our vision is to connect Canadian schools, colleges, universities, and students with the open source ecosystem. We provide educational resources, real-world projects, mentorship, and industry opportunities so young people can learn by making meaningful contributions.
Flagship Program — Pillar 01
Contribute to Rocky Linux
Students gain real experience by contributing to an official enterprise Linux distribution, working alongside a global open source community on software the world actually runs.
Documentation
Technical writing
Translation
Proofreading
Documentation testing
Community moderation
Graphic design
Development
Packaging
QA testing
The Complete Program
The Twelve Pillars
Each pillar supports a specific stage in the student journey, from first discovering Linux to mentoring the next cohort.
02
Linux in Education
Books, instructor guides, classroom labs, lesson plans, virtual machines, exercises, and certificates ready to use.
03
Hardware Donation Program
Refurbished computers prepared with Linux for coding clubs, makerspaces, libraries, and after-school programs.
04
Student Open Source Projects
Hands-on production experience through LAC projects: website, libraries, documentation, translation, accessibility, and testing.
05
Student Ambassador Program
Student leaders organize activities, welcome new members, and create a direct link with LAC.
06
Linux Clubs
Support for creating clubs, user groups, hack nights, and install fests.
07
Mentorship Network
Monthly sessions with Linux professionals, system administrators, developers, technical writers, and community leaders.
08
Career Readiness
Practical workshops on Git, GitHub, Linux administration, DevOps, containers, cloud, interviews, and resumes.
09
National Student Challenges
Annual competitions in documentation, bug fixing, translation, automation, cybersecurity, and Linux knowledge.
10
Digital Sovereignty Education
Understanding open source, privacy, open standards, cybersecurity, AI ethics, and Canadian digital sovereignty.
11
Industry Connections
Connections between students, Linux projects, Canadian technology companies, government initiatives, and employers.
12
Recognition & Certifications
Verified, shareable digital badges — plus LPI certifications through our collaboration with the Linux Professional Institute — demonstrating contributions, skills, and leadership.
The Pathway
A Complete Student Journey
An annual journey from first exposure to returning as a mentor.
01
Discover Linux
First exposure through school, a club, or an outreach event.
02
Learn Linux
Books, lesson plans, virtual machines, and guided exercises.
03
Join a School Linux Club
A local community that keeps learning going.
04
Attend Workshops
Git, GitHub, DevOps, cloud, and interview preparation.
05
Contribute to Rocky Linux
Real contributions to an enterprise distribution.
06
Contribute to LAC Projects
Website, libraries, documentation, and translation.
07
Build a Portfolio
Badges, references, and a public contribution history.
08
Receive Mentorship
Monthly guidance from open source professionals.
09
Internships or Employment
Warm introductions to industry partners.
10
Become a Mentor
Give back by guiding the next generation.
Proof of Achievement
Recognition & Certifications
Students earn verified, shareable digital badges — plus LPI certifications through our collaboration with the Linux Professional Institute — that demonstrate their skills and contributions.
First Open Source Contribution
Documentation Contributor
Rocky Linux Contributor
Community Volunteer
Translation Contributor
Linux Fundamentals
Student Ambassador
Mentor
Event Organizer
LPI Certification
Shareable on LinkedIn, GitHub, resumes, and personal portfolios.
No Cost to Educators
The Linux Association of Canada partners with schools, colleges, and universities across the country to deliver real open source experience at no cost to educators.
Bring the Program to Your School
Whether you represent a K–12 school, college, university, library, or after-school program, we are ready to build a partnership suited to your students.
Contact the Program TeamLand Acknowledgement
The Linux Association of Canada respectfully acknowledges that our home in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is located on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. These lands have been home to First Nations peoples for thousands of years, including the Cree, Dakota, Nakota, and Saulteaux, who maintain deep and enduring relationships with the land and the South Saskatchewan River.
We are grateful to the First Nations and Métis peoples who have cared for these lands for generations. We honour their enduring relationship with the land, their cultures, histories, and contributions, and we offer our respect and sincere gratitude as we live, work, learn, and build community here.