# Become a Btrust Builder

Btrust Builders is our program to educate software developers from Africa about Bitcoin and Lightning development, and start them on their journey as open-source Bitcoin contributors.

The pathways are designed to build strong foundations in Bitcoin and progress toward meaningful open-source contribution, whether you’re just getting started or sharpening advanced skills.

You can learn at your own pace using our always-available materials, or [apply](https://btrust.homerun.co/btrust-builders-application/en) to join a live, guided cohort with small study groups, mentorship, and evaluation.

Pick a pathway. Learn deeply. Build readiness for open-source Bitcoin.

***

### How the Builders Journey Works

Btrust Builders operates as a progressive contributor pipeline: 

<div align="center" data-full-width="false"><figure><img src="/files/IemCsyCLAYntHPK2I6xh" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

* **Pathways (On-Ramps)**\
  Structured learning programs that build technical understanding, contribution habits, and readiness.
* **Open Source Fellowship (Acceleration)**\
  A contribution-driven program for top performers working on real Bitcoin open-source projects.
* **Outcomes**\
  Long-term contribution, grants, ecosystem roles, and alumni collaboration.

Pathways are the entry point. Progression is based on demonstrated readiness, not automatic advancement.

***

### Choose Your Learning Mode

<details>

<summary>Self-Paced Learning (Always Available)</summary>

Learn independently using Builders materials and the [Resource Hub](/resource-hub.md).

* No application required
* Learn on your own schedule
* Access readings, exercises, and discussion prompts
* Ideal for exploration, skill-building, or busy schedules

<a href="/pages/AdDModMQnhhBNyEmgSmy" class="button primary">Start Self-Paced Learning</a>

</details>

<details>

<summary>Live Cohort (Limited &#x26; Selective)</summary>

A guided learning experience with structure, accountability, and mentorship.&#x20;

* Application-based, fixed start/end dates
* Weekly study groups and mandatory cohort sessions
* Assigned chaperone for guidance, mentoring, and grading
* Graduates listed publicly
* Required for Fellowship consideration

<a href="https://btrust.homerun.co/btrust-builders-application/en" class="button primary">Apply for a Live Cohort</a>

*Due to high application volume, not all learners will join live cohorts, and that’s intentional. The Pathways are built to support both independent and guided learning without loss of quality.*

</details>

***

### All Pathways&#x20;

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th><th></th><th></th><th align="center"></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="image">Cover image</th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>pathway #01</td><td><strong>Mastering Bitcoin</strong></td><td>Build strong conceptual foundations and Bitcoin mental models using <em>Mastering Bitcoin: Programming the Open Blockchain (3rd Edition)</em>. </td><td><ul><li>Duration: 8 weeks</li><li>Level: Beginner (Theory)</li><li>Best for: Developers new to Bitcoin or seeking deeper protocol understanding</li></ul></td><td></td><td align="center"><a href="/pages/nJA0O9O44ceSh0o7T7YL" class="button primary">View Pathway</a> </td><td><a href="/files/sCyDTBLHDfUZ4TyBnrLe">/files/sCyDTBLHDfUZ4TyBnrLe</a></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>pathway #02</td><td><strong>Learn Bitcoin from the Command Line</strong></td><td>Get hands-on with Bitcoin Core and interact directly with the protocol.</td><td><ul><li>Duration: 7 weeks</li><li>Level: Intermediate (Hands-On)</li><li>Best for: Developers ready to work with real Bitcoin infrastructure</li></ul></td><td></td><td align="center"><a href="/pages/2P63RdAvcuiQqmAap10A" class="button primary">View Pathway</a></td><td><a href="/files/pUjkL5SYvZ1NLsB4Cuet">/files/pUjkL5SYvZ1NLsB4Cuet</a></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>pathway #03</td><td><strong>Rust for Bitcoiners</strong></td><td>Learn Rust with a focus on Bitcoin-related open-source development.</td><td><ul><li>Duration: 6 weeks</li><li>Level: Intermediate → Advanced</li><li>Best for: Developers preparing for modern Bitcoin OSS stacks</li></ul></td><td></td><td align="center"><a href="/pages/NHTBPk7YePgnN6hDtXR3" class="button primary">View Pathway</a></td><td><a href="/files/5z36a6vdKTRriQGEpI6e">/files/5z36a6vdKTRriQGEpI6e</a></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>pathway #04</td><td><strong>Language Clubs</strong></td><td>Sharpen your skills in Bitcoin-relevant programming languages.</td><td><ul><li>Duration: 6 weeks</li><li>Level: Intermediate → Advanced</li><li>Languages: Python, C++</li><li>Best for: Developers improving fluency and codebase reading</li></ul></td><td></td><td align="center"><a href="/pages/I7lw8LBY9gYMqfJqjcMJ" class="button primary">View Pathway</a></td><td><a href="/files/iVa2uJm3OkfvdI1rLFiQ">/files/iVa2uJm3OkfvdI1rLFiQ</a></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>pathway #05</td><td><strong>Start Your Career in ₿OSS</strong></td><td>Join a one-month challenge on Bitcoin and open-source software (₿OSS) by Builders in partnership with Chaincode Labs.</td><td><ul><li>Duration: 4 weeks</li><li>Level: All levels (with a focus on starting your open-source journey)</li></ul></td><td></td><td align="center"><a href="/pages/klGm2l4TyjZZLXh5AF2o" class="button primary">View Pathway</a></td><td><a href="/files/xOxZA0O6AIYGK3q9VdcE">/files/xOxZA0O6AIYGK3q9VdcE</a></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

***

### Program Calendar

Builders pathways run multiple times per year, with different cohorts opening across quarters.

* Cohort start windows vary by pathway
* Applications open ahead of each cohort
* Self-paced learning is always available

<table data-full-width="false"><thead><tr><th>Pathways (Live Cohorts) | Projects</th><th>Timeline</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>BOSS challenge</td><td>Starts January 2026</td></tr><tr><td>#01: Mastering Bitcoin - Cohort 1 </td><td>Starts March 2026</td></tr><tr><td>#02: Learn Bitcoin from the Command Line - Cohort 1 </td><td>Starts March 2026</td></tr><tr><td>#03: Rust for Bitcoiners - Cohort 1</td><td>Starts May 2026</td></tr><tr><td>#04: Language Clubs - Cohort 1 </td><td>Starts May 2026</td></tr><tr><td>#01: Mastering Bitcoin - Cohort 2 </td><td>Starts June 2026</td></tr><tr><td>#02: Learn Bitcoin from the Command Line - Cohort 2 </td><td>Starts June 2026</td></tr><tr><td>Open Source Fellowship (10 weeks)</td><td>Starts August 2026</td></tr><tr><td>#03: Rust for Bitcoiners - Cohort 2</td><td>Starts October 2026</td></tr><tr><td>#04: Language Clubs - Cohort 2</td><td>Starts October 2026</td></tr><tr><td>Program close, review, and 2027 planning</td><td>Starts November 2026</td></tr><tr><td>2027 program plan launched</td><td>December 2026</td></tr></tbody></table>

***

### What To Expect

Whether you learn independently or in a live cohort, Builders pathways emphasize:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Deep, structured learning" %}

<figure><img src="/files/BaRJf6Esjm0kW3r6k299" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Foundational and practical Bitcoin & Lightning knowledge built step by step.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Open-source habits" %}

<figure><img src="/files/uynShtFX5GR0Uj7dMsh6" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Learning how to read code, ask good questions, collaborate, and contribute.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="High-quality materials" %}

<figure><img src="/files/yQnXPy0RmDpsK2KrK17v" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Carefully curated readings, exercises, prompts, and walkthroughs.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Community & support" %}

<figure><img src="/files/HXmTaD0Vgdu1jWH1dICw" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

A network of developers learning and building together across Africa.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Clear progression signals" %}

<figure><img src="/files/wgT99lR47eyEeScXaHMo" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Understanding what readiness for deeper contribution really looks like.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

***

### Community

Join the **Btrust Builders** community of people who:

* Learn in public
* Ask thoughtful questions
* Collaborate respectfully
* Build long-term open-source habits

{% embed url="<https://discord.com/invite/wFt6puhmwk>" %}

***

### Frequently Asked Questions

<details>

<summary>How do the pathways work in 2026?</summary>

Btrust Builders Pathways are structured learning tracks designed to help developers build real capability in Bitcoin and open-source development.

In 2026:

* Most pathways are available year-round in self-paced mode
* Some pathways also run live, guided cohorts at specific times
* You can enter at different levels depending on your background
* Progress is measured through proof of work, not attendance

Each pathway clearly explains:

* Who it’s for
* What you’ll learn
* How to participate (self-paced or live)
* What completion looks like

You choose the pathway and learning mode that best fits your goals and availability.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What’s the difference between self-paced learning and live cohorts?</summary>

**Self-Paced Learning**

* Learn independently, on your own schedule
* No deadlines, live sessions, or evaluations
* Structured materials, prompts, and guidance provided
* Best for busy schedules, exploration, or refreshers

**Live Cohorts**

* Fixed schedule with weekly sessions
* Small study or homegroups with peer accountability
* Guided discussions, feedback, and evaluation
* Limited spots and selective admission
* Required for progression into certain advanced Builders programs

Both modes are designed to be high-quality. The difference is structure and accountability, not content quality.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Do I have to pay to join?</summary>

All pathways are **free to participate in**.

We remove financial barriers so learners can focus on:

* Showing up consistently
* Doing the work
* Building real skills and public proof

What we *do* require is commitment. Pathways are demanding by design, and spots in live cohorts are limited.

</details>

<details>

<summary>How do I choose the right pathway?</summary>

Start by being honest about where you are right now.

As a general guide:

* New to Bitcoin or want strong fundamentals?\
  → Start with *Mastering Bitcoin*
* Understand Bitcoin basics and want hands-on experience?\
  → *Learn Bitcoin from the Command Line*
* Comfortable with programming and ready for real code?\
  → *Rust for Bitcoiners* or *Language Clubs*
* Unsure where you fit?\
  → Start with a foundational pathway, then progress forward

Each pathway page clearly states:

* Prerequisites
* Level
* Expected commitment

When in doubt, start earlier rather than later. Foundations compound.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I join more than one pathway?</summary>

Yes — but not at the same time in most cases.

We strongly recommend focusing on one pathway at a time, especially for live cohorts.&#x20;

Why:

* Pathways require consistent weekly effort
* Splitting attention usually leads to shallow learning
* Builders prioritizes depth over speed
* Most pathway cohorts run in parallel.

You’re welcome to complete pathways sequentially as you progress.

</details>

<details>

<summary>How does the Open Source Fellowship work?</summary>

The Open Source Fellowship is a separate, advanced program.

* It is not open enrollment
* It is by invitation or application
* Selection is based on demonstrated proof of work, not credentials

Typically:

* Strong performance in live cohorts
* High-quality public work (code, research, contributions)
* Consistency, collaboration, and reliability over time

Completing a pathway does not guarantee fellowship placement, but it is often the first step toward it.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What if I am already well past all these pathways and fellowship?</summary>

You might be ready for the Btrust Grants. Grants are based on proof of work.

We currently offer:

* **Starter Grant** (full-time funding for six months)
* **Open-Source Cohort** (structured support while contributing long-time)

See [btrust.tech/grants](https://www.btrust.tech/grants) for details.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Do you have resources on open-source contribution?</summary>

Yes. Start with [Open Source Contribution Notes](/resource-hub/open-source-contribution-notes.md).

You can also browse the [Resource Hub](/resource-hub.md) for developer tools and reading.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Will I get a job with Btrust after completing one or more of the pathways?</summary>

Btrust does not hire developers directly. We support contributors through grants.

Pathways help you build proof of work. Proof of work helps you qualify for grants.

</details>

***

### Ready To Start?

Explore the Pathways, choose your learning mode, and begin your Builders journey.&#x20;

{% columns %}
{% column valign="middle" %}

<p align="center"><a href="/pages/kzTlst3tKo255yz4YpDi#all-pathways" class="button primary" data-icon="magnifying-glass-waveform">View Pathways</a></p>
{% endcolumn %}

{% column valign="middle" %}

<p align="center"><a href="https://btrust.homerun.co/btrust-builders-application/en" class="button primary" data-icon="arrow-pointer">Apply for a Live Cohort</a></p>
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}


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