How to Pitch WordPress Credits to an Institution
This page provides talking points and guidance for anyone presenting the WordPress Credits program to an educational institution. These points help introduce the program, explain its value, and guide institutions toward the next steps.
- Introducing WordPress Credits
WordPress Credits is an educational program that connects students from universities and educational institutions with experienced WordPress contributors. Through hands-on mentorship, students work on real open-source projects that support their academic development and future career opportunities. Only students who are of legal age in their country of residence are eligible to participate in the WordPress Credits program. - How the Program Works
When presenting the program, highlight the following elements:
- The institution signs a simple partnership agreement with the WordPress Foundation.
- The institution commits to recognizing the hours completed by students as part of their official curriculum, whether as an internship, practical training, supervised practice, or another relevant requirement.
- Students register on the WP Credits platform.
- Each student is paired with an experienced contributor who serves as their mentor.
- Students complete the WordPress User Pathways (Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced) and participate in real contribution projects.
- Students are responsible for documenting their hours if the institution requires formal proof for academic validation.
- Mentors provide weekly guidance to help students progress.
- At the end of the program, students receive a graduation certificate, a digital badge, and a WordPress.orgWordPress.org The community site where WordPress code is created and shared by the users. This is where you can download the source code for WordPress core, plugins and themes as well as the central location for community conversations and organization. https://wordpress.org/ profile showcasing their verified contributions.
- What the Program Offers to Students
When pitching to institutions, emphasize the following student benefits:
- Hands-on experience contributing to a global open-source platform.
- Guidance from experienced contributors who teach real-world skills.
- A structured curriculum through the WordPress User Pathways.
- A practical portfolio of contributions to share with future employers.
- A WordPress.org profile with documented activity.
- A graduation certificate and digital badge.
- Exposure to a global community and insight into remote, tech-based career paths.
- Benefits for Institutions
Institutions gain several advantages by participating in the program:
- Access to a complete, ready-to-implement educational program at no cost.
- Ability to integrate real-world open-source experience directly into the curriculum.
- Increased student engagement through practical project work.
- Alignment with industry-relevant digital skills.
- Opportunity for teachers to be trained as future mentors, strengthening internal capabilities.
- Visibility as part of the global network of institutions offering innovative WordPress learning opportunities.
- An official partnership with the WordPress Foundation, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to high-quality digital education and global open-source collaboration.
- Useful Resources to Share with Institutions
- WP Credits Program Page
- WP Credits Student Guide (Includes demos of the student environment and an overview of the program)
- Interest Form for institutions
- Call to Action: How Institutions Can Get Started
Conclude any pitch with a clear next step:
“To begin the process, please fill out the WP Credits interest form. You will then schedule a call with the program admin to walk through the program and discuss how it can be integrated into your curriculum.”
