Open Horizons Scholarship
An Automattic-funded initiative to support inclusive participation in WordPress events and beyond.
The Open Horizons Scholarship aims to increase equitable access to flagship WordPress events by providing financial support to active contributors from underrepresented, underserved, or economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Funded by Automattic and several of our employee resource groups, this program enables more contributors to connect, collaborate, and grow within the WordPress ecosystem, regardless of geography or financial constraints.
Funding and Impact
The scholarship program launched in May of 2025 thanks to Automattic’s $18,000 founding gift and an additional $28,000 from several of the our employee resource groups: Cocoamattic, Neurodiverseomattic, PDARG, and Queeromattic.
As of April 2026, 15 contributors from 8 countries have received Open Horizons funds, and they’ve kept showing up for the WordPress community ever since.
Event Eligibility Requirements
The selected event must be a flagship WordCamp (WordCamp Asia, Europe, US, or India).
Applicants must:
- Be active contributors to the WordPress open source project
- Show impact or leadership within the WordPress community
- Have clear goals for continued contribution
- Hold a confirmed role at the event (organizer, speaker, facilitator, volunteer, etc.)
Priority will be given to contributors from underrepresented groups or regions.
Scholarship Coverage
The Open Horizons Scholarship may cover:
✈️ Travel (flights, trains, and buses)
🏨 Lodging/accommodation
🛂 Visa application fees
🍝 Meals and local transportation
🧑🍼 Childcare expenses
👩🦯➡️ Accessibility needs
🎫 Event registration fees
Application Timeline
You should apply at least two months before the event start date. Notifications are typically sent within two to three weeks of application submission. Emergency cases may be considered on an individual basis.
