Bridging the Gap: Understanding Collaborative Practices of Underrepresented Student Developers in the GitHub Community

Abstract While studying student developers who engage with the GitHub community is not new, there is a notable lack of understanding regarding how underrepresented groups participate in collaborative efforts. Previous research has typically focused on the initial moment of joining summer programs rather than examining the entire contribution process over time. This approach limits insights into how motivations and challenges evolve during contributions and often centers on individual experiences rather than collaborative behaviors among multiple participants. Our 13-month online ethnographic study investigates the collaborative practices of student developers within an Apache open-source software (OSS) community on GitHub. We analyze their interactions using GitHub features and the impact of Apache guidelines. By exploring the achievements and challenges students face in coding activities, we provide actionable insights to bridge the gap between community expectations and student needs. Our findings highlight strategies such as targeted mentorship and improved communication to support sustained contributions, offering valuable guidance for fostering a more inclusive OSS ecosystem.