Simon Willison shared news of Hack Your Summer, a four-week high-velocity production sprint for undergraduate, graduate, and recent students who wish to build tangible work this summer. The initiative addresses the current internship crisis in the United States, where companies have reduced hiring ambitions and teams lack the capacity to coach interns. This programme offers an alternative path for students who failed to secure traditional placements by guiding them to identify projects, make steady progress, and create public-facing work for future employers. A second free cohort begins on 13 July, with the application deadline set for 8 July. The organisers are also accepting volunteers to help mentor the participants.
The event matters because it converts idle summer months into demonstrable professional experience when formal employment opportunities vanish. Students gain a portfolio piece without needing corporate sponsorship or a full-time role.
* Applications close on 8 July for the cohort starting 13 July.
* The programme is free for all eligible students.
* Volunteers are needed to support the mentors.
