# JetBrains Rebrands User Group Support to Developer Communities Program The initiative expands support beyond local meetups to include online and hybrid developer ecosystems. - **Source:** [The JetBrains Blog](https://brifing.si/source/782eebd1-7be8-49cc-b27c-e552516691b2) - **Published:** 2026-11-04 - **Topic:** [Marketing](https://brifing.si/c/marketing) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/898ae51d-cb01-4d06-bbb8-5ab30ce049bb ## Evolution of Community Support JetBrains is rebranding its thirteen-year-old User Group Support Program into the Developer Communities Program. This shift acknowledges that developer engagement has moved beyond traditional local meetups. The company aims to modernize how it supports organizers by reflecting current trends in how technical groups collaborate, learn, and exchange ideas globally today. ## Adapting to Modern Platforms The program now formally recognizes that communities thrive on platforms like Discord and Slack alongside in-person events. By expanding the scope, JetBrains addresses the reality of hybrid and virtual-first environments. This transition ensures that the support structure remains relevant to the diverse ways developers currently organize and maintain their active networks. ## Expanded Support Resources Beyond providing standard IDE subscriptions for organizers, the new program offers a broader toolkit. Communities can now access official JetBrains swag, ready-to-use content, and assistance with speaker recruitment. Furthermore, the company provides increased visibility through its own channels and potential sponsorship for specific events, tailoring resources to each unique community's needs. ## Customized Engagement Strategy Support is no longer a one-size-fits-all model; JetBrains will collaborate with organizers to determine the most effective assistance. Decisions are based on specific community activities, local resources, and audience engagement levels. This personalized approach allows the company to provide meaningful help that aligns with the specific goals of each individual developer group. ## Seamless Transition Process Existing participants in the legacy User Group Support Program are automatically migrated to the new Developer Communities Program. Organizers do not need to submit a new application to maintain their status. This continuity ensures that established relationships remain uninterrupted while allowing groups to immediately benefit from the expanded range of available program resources. ## Exclusions and Student Access The program specifically targets established developer communities and excludes school, college, or university student clubs. JetBrains directs student groups toward the separate JetBrains Student Pack for free tool access. This distinction clarifies the program's focus on professional and hobbyist developer networks rather than academic institutions, maintaining a clear boundary for resource allocation. ## Long-term Collaboration Roadmap JetBrains views this initiative as a long-term partnership with community leaders. Starting in 2027, the company will implement an annual check-in process for all participating groups. These reviews are designed to evaluate past activities and identify future needs, ensuring the support remains aligned with the evolving requirements of the developer ecosystem. ## Strategic Community Impact By formalizing this program, JetBrains strengthens its role within the global developer landscape. The initiative provides a structured mechanism to foster knowledge sharing and professional growth. Ultimately, the program serves as a strategic investment in the health of developer networks, which are essential for the sustained adoption and success of technical tools. ## Sources covering this story - https://blog.jetbrains.com/community-programs/2026/11/the-user-group-support-program-is-becoming-the-developer-communities-program/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._