Can I apply to GitHub Campus Experts if my leadership experience is outside my university?

[alexxandraSalazar]

🏷️ Discussion Type

Question

💬 Feature/Topic Area

Verification Help & Guidance

Hi everyone,

Hi everyone!

I'm a Computer Engineering student and software developer from Nicaragua, and I'm interested in applying to the GitHub Campus Experts program.

I have one main question regarding the community leadership requirement.

My university used to have an active CS50 community, where I started as a student, later became a Course Assistant, then a Teaching Assistant, and eventually led the Web50 program. Unfortunately, the program ended after the foundation that funded it stopped operating, so there is no longer an official tech community at my university.

However, I'm still very active in the local tech ecosystem. For example, I'm currently the Lead Organizer for WordCamp Nicaragua 2026, I've spoken at WordCamp and Google DevFest events, I volunteer with Women Techmakers Nicaragua, and I'm part of Nicaragua Women Tech, a community that works to reduce the gender gap in technology through workshops and outreach activities.

Given this background, I have a few questions:

Does the community I lead or contribute to have to be officially affiliated with my university, or can leadership in local or regional tech communities also qualify?
Is it okay if my impact is spread across multiple communities rather than centered on a single university organization?
What are reviewers generally looking for when evaluating community leadership and impact?

I'd really appreciate any advice from Campus Experts or anyone familiar with the application process. Thank you!

[minksy-ux]

Your leadership does not have to be limited to an official university club what matters is that you have built and supported a real community with clear impact to the community... In your case the mix of campus teaching local event organizing and volunteer work across tech communities shows strong leadership and a consistent commitment to helping others grow in Nicaragua .. there are future student focused programs like XPRIZE Connect that give young people structured ways to tackle challenges with mentorship and community support.. and yes spread across multiple communities rather than centered on a single university organization is an amazing factor to have as a student.. https://www.xprize.org/news/xprize-connect-partnering-with-students-for-a-better-future-to-drive-next-generation-of-changemakers-and-creative-thinkers

[alexxandraSalazar]

Thanks so much for answering my question! So nice of you, I feel more confident about applying, hope everything goes well. 🙌