Reflections from DrupalCon Seattle’s Grant & Scholarship Recipients

What an event this last DrupalCon was! Thanks to all who joined us in April for DrupalCon Seattle 2019.

In planning this event, more funds than ever before — 30 percent more, to be exact — were allocated for grants and scholarships. This tied in with the overall aim of having a cross-section of attendees, all of whom play a part in contributing and advancing the Drupal Project. Funding for grants and scholarships is from the support of our conference partners, as well as conference registrations.

A global team of community members were involved in awarding the funds; combing through the submissions and determining the best funding matches. As a result, grant and scholarship recipients were from nearly every continent: six attendees from Europe, nine attendees from the Americas, two attendees from Africa, four attendees from South Asia, and one attendee from Australia.

We had a chance to catch up with a few of the recipients during DrupalCon Seattle, and common themes emerged regarding their coming to the Con; their giving back; and their appreciation for being selected.

“I wouldn’t have been able to come otherwise”

We heard this quote repeatedly. Whether funding covered the cost of the ticket to DrupalCon, or help with airfare or the hotel stay in Seattle, the allocation provided the aid necessary for the 10 scholarships and 12 grants.

“I’d never been to a DrupalCon in the United States because of the expense. I was told about grants being available, and that if I were to receive one, I could join in presenting. It worked so well to receive this grant. I felt empowered by presenting,” said Fabian Bircher, a grant recipient and session presenter. “I think specifically, configuration management is easier to understand — and is less intimidating — in person than online.
For me, it’s the importance of being here to talk to as many people as possible. The in-person meetings are so productive, especially when working within a release cycle for contributing to the next version of Drupal.”

“I was looking for events and opportunities to learn more about Drupal,” explains scholarship recipient John Ivie Jr. “DrupalCon Seattle was both relatively close to where I live and seemed like everything Drupal would be offered, so with the help of this scholarship, I didn’t have to jump through a lot of administrative hoops to try and get full funding to attend. I had no idea of my chances at receiving the scholarship, but by putting myself out there, I was chosen. I’ve learned so much from others here who have shared about best practices in higher education.”

Using personal funds to attend DrupalCon

“I’ve been to something like 18 DrupalCons. I feel fortunate to receive a grant; before I had paid my own way. I learned a lot from the community, and became a core committer, but the cost to my wallet was not sustainable,” said Alex Pott, a Drupal 8 co-maintainer. “DrupalCon is an event where core dev decisions happen. I wanted to keep the Drupal momentum going.”

Grant recipient Tushar Thatikonda had a similar experience of funding his Con travels. “I had used my own credit card to finance going to DrupalCons in the past, and I’d rather not do that.”

“I realized that at past events I’d be learning, which is great, but now I’m helping more with changes to the project, and helping others. In the first-time sprinter workshops, I’ve helped with installations and getting people all set up to contribute. They wouldn’t be able to participate without doing this—it’s not a step that can be skipped!”

“I’ve worked on administrator tasks like monitoring spam accounts, offering customization, and moving issues forward in the Drupal customer issue queue. Meeting and working alongside other contributors and maintainers at DrupalCons has resulted in taking on challenges in Drupal. It also meant that the colleagues became more like family,” Thatikonda said.  

DrupalCon’s tangible outcomes

While collaborating and contributing are foremost for some, others have specific desired outcomes by receiving a scholarship to attend.

“From the previews I saw, this looked to be the perfect DrupalCon for me to attend. I knew I could take my learnings home — to South Africa — to talk about in Drupal Camps there, where I do a lot of speaking,” said scholarship recipient Dane Rossenrode. “By being able to come to DrupalCon, it has created the opportunity to open the lines of communication with people who may not have time to respond to an email from someone like me who they didn’t know.

A large part of my learning is from Agency Leaders in particular. With a track and space dedicated to this group, I’m able to meet with other agencies — to use them as resources and seek their advice for my own organization. Just by attending, there’s such potential for mentor opportunities.”


“I’m learning so much by being here”

The recipients are largely responsive to DrupalCon Seattle’s offerings for 2019 and were able to identify sessions — and trainings — offering speakers, presenters, and fellow attendees working in similar specific fields.

“Learning to sell to marketers is exactly what I’ve wanted to explore, and I just attended that session,” said Rossenrode. “I’m also learning about finding clients. There are many organizations in South Africa that could benefit from Drupal but don’t necessarily know Drupal by name.”

“Connecting with so many new people, especially those working in higher education, became one of the most exciting aspects of DrupalCon,” said Ivie. “I already look forward to coming back to a DrupalCon!”
He added: “People should know that the Drupal Association is committed to diversity and inclusion at this event. I see it. I feel it. It means a lot.”