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Opening Skills & Solutions

This program is connecting students with real-world open source development while building tomorrow's tech workforce.

Transforming Students Into Professional Developers​

Opening Skills and Solutions bridges the gap between academic learning and professional software development. We connect motivated students with meaningful open source projects and real client needs, providing hands-on experience that transforms classroom knowledge into industry-ready skills.

Students collaborating on real projects

Real Projects, Real Impact​

This isn't simulation or classroom exercises. Our students work as professional developers on projects that matter:

Client-Driven Development​

Students build software that solves actual problems for real organizations, with clients who depend on the results and drive project priorities.

Open Source Contributions​

Code goes into production systems used by thousands of developers worldwide, creating lasting impact and public portfolios.

Professional Standards​

Industry-standard workflows, code review processes, and quality expectations prepare students for immediate workplace success.

“Software engineering is a team sport.”
— Fred Brooks. The Mythical Man Month. 1975.


Why This Works​

Authentic Experience​

Students work as developers—not "student developers"—gaining confidence through real responsibility and meaningful contributions.

Structured Support​

Professional mentorship, faculty oversight, and peer leadership create a supportive environment for growth and learning.

Career Preparation​

Graduates enter the workforce with proven experience, professional networks, and portfolios that demonstrate real-world impact.

Program Highlights​

  • Client partnerships with organizations needing custom software solutions
  • Team-based development with 3-5 student engineers per project
  • Graduate student leadership providing near-peer mentorship and technical guidance
  • Faculty support connecting academic learning with professional practice
  • Sponsored opportunities for dedicated developers on high-priority projects

Ready to Build Real Software?​

Whether you're a student ready to become a professional developer, an organization needing software solutions, or a supporter of workforce development, we have pathways for meaningful involvement.

Learn How It Works →
Explore Team Structure →
See Student Experience →
Get Involved →

Opening Skills and Solutions is part of SLU's Open Source program office, preparing students for successful careers while advancing open source adoption in research and industry.