This year too Google decided to have another Summer of Code (SOC). Basically Google pays you to code software for one of the sponsored projects. If you look into the list of software you can see many Jabber projects like Jabber Software Foundation, Gaim, Adium and probably more (I think I read about Ejabberd too but could not find them in the list).
Most of the other projects are Linux / Open Source, but just go over to the page and fine one!If you are a student, or just like sitting inside and code all summer, please find a nice project and join the program.
Thank you Google! 