JetBrains has announced a strategic update to its developer support program, transforming its 13-year-old "User Group Support Program" into a new name: the "Developer Communities Program". This change comes in response to fundamental shifts in how developers communicate and collaborate in the current era.
Expanding Support Scope to Include Modern Communities
The company explained that the traditional local groups model is no longer sufficient, as a large portion of developer activity has moved to digital platforms such as Discord and Slack, alongside the emergence of hybrid events and virtual workshops. Accordingly, the new program will include broader categories encompassing:
- Fully digital communities.
- Hybrid communities combining physical and virtual attendance.
- Traditional local meetup groups.
- Workshops and educational initiatives directed at developers.
What Changes Practically for Organizers?
Support provided by JetBrains will no longer be limited to Integrated Development Environment (IDE) subscriptions and simple giveaways as before, but will extend to include a diverse package of resources, including:
- Providing ready-to-use content for events.
- Assistance in connecting with speakers and experts.
- Increasing media visibility for communities through JetBrains' official channels.
- Offering sponsorships for selected events.
- Providing the opportunity to host meetups in company offices.
The company confirmed that current participants in the old program will be automatically transferred to the new program without the need to reapply. It also noted that this program does not cover student clubs in schools and universities, for which the company dedicates the "JetBrains Student Pack".
Why Does This Change Matter?
This update reflects major tech companies' awareness of the necessity to support ecosystems that go beyond office boundaries and geographical locations. Through this program, JetBrains seeks to strengthen its relationship with tech community leaders via annual reviews beginning in 2027, to ensure support is aligned with developers' actual needs, thereby contributing to the sustainability of these communities and the development of their members' skills.