Attending WordPress community events over the years has shown me the true power of open-source development. But the defining moment happened this year at WordCamp Europe 2026. While watching the WP Credits presentation, I immediately knew I had to bring this opportunity to the students at Titu Maiorescu University (TMU).
I didn’t just take over an existing program; I decided to build this bridge from scratch. Over the past few months, I initiated and managed the communications between the WordPress Foundation, WP Education, and TMU leadership. It was a complex process, but in the end, we managed not only to sign an official partnership but also to secure a direct benefit for our students: one free year on wp.com.
Today, I am incredibly proud to announce that these efforts have become a reality. Starting with the 2026-2027 academic year, TMU becomes an official partner, and I will have the joy of stepping into the role of Project Coordinator to guide our very first cohort of students through this initiative.
Why Integrating the Open-Source Ecosystem Matters
Bringing the WordPress ecosystem into a university setting shifts the educational paradigm. Instead of working on isolated academic projects, students will engage in global collaboration. Through this program, we are focusing on:
- Real-world impact: Students will learn the mechanics of a platform that powers a massive portion of the web, understanding both the source code and community guidelines.
- Verifiable portfolios: Contributing to open-source projects provides public, undeniable proof of a student’s skills, acting as a powerful career accelerator even before graduation.
- Professional dynamics: Navigating peer reviews, asynchronous communication, and collaborative problem-solving within a global team.
The Road Ahead Starts Now
My work in facilitating the partnership is done, but my role as a coordinator is just beginning. My priority right now is to build a structured framework that aligns TMU’s academic rigor with the dynamic nature of the WordPress Foundation.
I am deeply grateful to the faculty leadership for their openness and support throughout the negotiations. You can read the university’s official announcement on the TMU website: New Partnership: WordPress Foundation and The Faculty of Informatics, TMU.