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Off-Campus Federal Work Study Guide

What is the Off-Campus Federal Work-Study Community Service Program?

  • The opportunity to work off-campus at a public or private non-profit organization in a community service role.
  • The opportunity to integrate and apply classroom learning into community service.
  • Part-time employment opportunities for work-study students.
  • A form of financial aid.

Why Should I Participate in Community Service?

  • The Community Service option is one that enables Federal Work-Study eligible students to do more than earn money.
  • Community service positions are designed to improve the quality of life for community residents.
  • Positions are available in the fields of child care, tutoring, recreation, rehabilitation, the environment, youth services, and elderly care.
  • Regardless of your academic major, employers value community service. Participation in the Community Service Program enhances your marketability to all future employers.
  • Use your federal work-study allotment to make a difference!

How do I Qualify to Participate?

  • Establish eligibility for the Federal Work-Study program by completing the Financial Aid Form (FAFSA), available in the Financial Aid Office, Green Hall, Room 101.
  • Accept your financial aid award, which must include Federal Work-Study.
  • Only Federal Work-Study recipients are eligible to apply to these opportunities. Contact Student Financial Assistance at x2211 with questions about your financial aid award.

What Salary and Hours are Associated with Community Service Federal Work-Study Positions?

  • Work-study award amounts are specified in your financial aid award letter. Your earnings for the academic year may not exceed this work-study award amount.
  • You arrange your schedule and discuss your job responsibilities with your supervisor. You may work a maximum of fifteen hours per week.
  • Salary levels are determined by the Student Employment Office and are based upon individual job responsibilities.
  • You are paid by the hour (hours must be verified by your supervisor).

How are Community Service Federal Work-Study Students Paid?

  • Community Federal Work-Study students are paid by the hour.
  • Pay rates are determined by Student Employment and are based on the job description.
  • Student Employment is responsible for monitoring student employee hours and approving time sheets. These time sheets must be submitted by the student to the College’s Payroll office on a pre-determined schedule.
  • Under Federal Work-Study regulations, students must be paid for all hours worked, but student workers are not paid for lunch periods or breaks.

What Steps Must I Take to Secure a Community Service Federal Work-Study Position?

  • Click here to view all open Community Federal Work-Study positions.
  • If you are a qualified student, please apply to as many as you feel fit.
  • If selected for an interview, the hiring manager will reach out via email to schedule a time to meet.
  • If selected for a position, students will need to complete all onboarding paperwork before starting.
  • Please visit or call the Office of Career Services to review the list of agencies currently participating in the Community Service Work-Study Program.

Important Note:

A student’s earnings under this program may not exceed their Federal Work-Study dollar limit, specified in their Financial Aid award. If a student reaches the limit of their award, the organization has the option of assuming the full salary for the student, or releasing the student from their employment. Federal Work-Study award amounts vary, the average award is approximately $1,200 for the full academic year.