Overview
Welcome to the comprehensive user guide for the IXP (Incentivizing Experience Program) Initiative platform. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for all participants in the IXP program, from initial registration to final approval and credit allocation.
The IXP Initiative connects organizations with inexperienced Drupal developers, creating structured pathways for professional growth while providing companies with 250 contribution credits (valued at approximately $25,000) for each successfully completed engagement.
IXP Program Application Portal
The IXP management platform serves as the central hub for all program activities. Here, organizations register, create engagements, track progress, and manage the complete lifecycle of IXP fellowships.
Who This Guide Is For
This documentation serves three primary user types:
Company Administrators
Organizations leading IXP initiatives within their companies, responsible for:
- Initial company registration and setup
- Managing team member access and permissions
- Creating and overseeing IXP engagements
- Requesting job posting coupons when needed
Company Members and Mentors
Team members who work directly with IXP participants, including:
- Technical mentors providing hands-on guidance
- Project managers overseeing IXP assignments
- HR representatives supporting the program
IXP Users (Inexperienced Developers)
Developers participating in the program to gain professional experience through:
- Structured mentorship (minimum 1 hour per 10 hours worked)
- Real-world project experience (minimum 160 paid hours)
- Community contribution requirements
- Professional development guidance
IXP Reviewers and Volunteers
Community members who support program quality and integrity by:
- Reviewing completed engagements for compliance
- Managing coupon allocation for job postings
- Ensuring program requirements are met before credit approval
Complete User Guide Sections
Follow these sections in order for your first IXP program setup, or jump to specific sections as needed:
Getting Started
- Company Registration – Setting up your organization and becoming a Company Admin
- Team Setup – Adding mentors and team members to your company group
- Platform Navigation – Understanding the interface and key features
Finding and Hiring IXPs
- Coupon System – Requesting free job posting coupons for jobs.drupal.org
- IXP Registration Process – How developers join and get added to your company
Managing Engagements
- Creating Engagements – Setting up new IXP fellowships with case numbers
- Progress Reporting – Bi-weekly reporting requirements for mentors and IXPs
- Final Reporting – Completion documentation and requirements
Review and Approval
- Review Process – How IXP reviewers evaluate completed engagements
- Credit Allocation – Final approval and Drupal Association credit communication
Reference Materials
- Troubleshooting – Common issues and solutions
- Examples and Templates – Sample reports, documentation, and best practices
Program Workflow Overview
The IXP program follows a structured workflow designed to ensure quality experiences and proper documentation:
Phase 1: Setup (1-2 weeks)
- Company Admin registers and gets approved
- Team members join as Company Members
- IXP candidates register as IXP Users
- Company group membership is established
Phase 2: Job Posting (Optional)
- Request coupon for free jobs.drupal.org posting
- Create and publish IXP job listing
- Interview and select candidates
- Add selected IXP to company group
Phase 3: Engagement Creation
- Create IXP Engagement with project details
- System assigns unique case number (IXP-00000 format)
- Move from “Engagement Proposed” to “Engagement Start”
- Begin structured mentorship and work assignments
Phase 4: Active Engagement (4-8 weeks typical)
- Provide minimum 160 hours of paid work
- Maintain 1:10 mentorship ratio (1 hour mentorship per 10 hours work)
- Submit bi-weekly progress reports from both mentor and IXP
- Document contributions to drupal.org issues
- IXP writes blog post about experience
Phase 5: Completion and Review
- Submit final reports from both mentor and IXP
- Move engagement to “Final Review” status
- IXP Reviewer verifies all requirements met
- Engagement approved and 250 credits awarded to organization
Key Program Benefits
For Organizations
- 250 Contribution Credits (~$25,000 value) per completed engagement
- Fresh Talent Pipeline with developers trained in your specific practices
- Community Recognition through Drupal.org marketplace visibility
- Flexible Engagement Structure adaptable to your project needs
For IXP Developers
- Paid Professional Experience with minimum 160 hours guaranteed
- Structured Mentorship ensuring proper guidance and skill development
- Portfolio Development with real-world project examples
- Community Integration through required drupal.org contributions
- Career Advancement with demonstrable professional experience
For the Drupal Community
- Talent Development addressing the experience gap in our ecosystem
- Sustainable Growth through structured onboarding of new professionals
- Quality Assurance via reviewer oversight and program requirements
- Knowledge Sharing through required blog posts and contributions
Getting Support
If you need assistance while using this guide or the IXP platform:
- Drupal Slack: Join the #ixp-fellowship channel for real-time support
- Platform Issues: Contact site administrators through the IXP management site
- Program Questions: Reach out to IXP Initiative coordinators
- Documentation Feedback: Help us improve this guide by reporting issues or suggestions
Quick Start Checklist
For New Organizations:
- Read this overview and identify your Company Admin
- Complete Company Registration process
- Add team members through Team Setup
- Decide if you need to request coupons for job postings
- Plan your first engagement creation
For IXP Developers:
- Apply for positions through jobs.drupal.org/ixp-developer-hub
- Complete IXP registration when hired
- Understand progress reporting requirements
- Review contribution requirements for drupal.org and blog posts
For Reviewers:
- Understand the review process workflow
- Familiarize yourself with program requirements and quality standards
- Join the #ixp-fellowship Slack channel for coordination
Ready to get started? Begin with Company Registration to set up your organization’s participation in the IXP Initiative.
