In the heart of Rajasthan, the city of Ajmer is poised to make a significant mark in the tech community by hosting its inaugural WordPress event, WP Campus Connect. Slated for October 2024, this month-long initiative aims to empower students across various college campuses by immersing them in the vast opportunities that WordPress can provide.
The event is a collaboration with four local colleges, spreading learning and engagement across four weekends from October 5 to October 26. Each workshop will be hosted at a different campus, offering students a unique opportunity to engage with WordPress in an interactive environment. This hands-on approach is designed to cater to a variety of learning styles, ensuring that participants grasp both the technical and creative aspects of using WordPress.
Students can look forward to comprehensive training sessions led by seasoned professionals from the WordPress community. These workshops promise not only to impart valuable technical skills but also to explore various career paths within the WordPress ecosystem. Pooja Derashri, an organizer and co-founder of WPWibes, emphasized the program’s dual focus: “By introducing students to WordPress, we’re providing them with more than just technical knowledge; we’re giving them access to a world of career possibilities.” This initiative is not just about learning; it’s about building connections that can guide students in their professional journeys.
The Ajmer WordPress Meetup group has been active since 2017, and although the pandemic caused a temporary pause in their activities, the organizers have successfully pivoted to a new strategy. Instead of gathering students in a single location, they opted for a more decentralized approach, bringing workshops directly to college campuses. This shift not only enhances accessibility but also allows for a more tailored learning experience.
With an expected turnout of 350 to 400 students, WP Campus Connect is set to become a vibrant hub for learning and collaboration. The event is designed to inspire students to consider careers in web development, digital marketing, and other related fields. The organizers have ambitious plans for the future, including inviting global speakers to share insights from the industry and establishing a mentorship program that connects students with experienced WordPress professionals. Additionally, they intend to host hackathons and competitions focused on WordPress, paving the way for real-world application of the skills learned.
The importance of attracting new users, especially students, to WordPress has been underscored by industry leaders. Josepha Haden Chomphosy, Executive Director of the WordPress project, recently highlighted how essential it is to equip students with the skills necessary for success in their future careers. In a bid to make WordPress more accessible, WordPress.com has announced the giveaway of 1,000 free premium websites exclusively for university students, providing them with the tools to build their online presence and portfolios.
This initiative not only demonstrates the commitment of the WordPress community to education but also aligns with the broader trend of integrating technology into academic curricula. As digital literacy becomes increasingly important in today’s job market, programs like WP Campus Connect are critical in preparing the next generation for success. By fostering a culture of learning and innovation, the event is set to leave a lasting impact on participants, encouraging them to explore the vast landscape of opportunities that WordPress offers.
Engaging with students through such programs is not just beneficial for them but also for the WordPress community as a whole. As new talent enters the field, it invigorates the ecosystem, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives that can lead to innovation and growth. In this way, WP Campus Connect stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity, illuminating the paths of aspiring web developers, designers, and marketers in Ajmer and beyond.
