Financial Aid

Federal Work Study

Federal College Work-Study is a type of financial aid that is need-based. It provides earnings for employment on-campus or at an off-campus agency (limited availability).

In order to be paid through Work-Study funds, a student must have a FAFSA on file with the Financial Aid Office and must have need (the difference between your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and the Cost of Attendance).

Work-Study is not included in your award until you apply for and obtain a position funded through Work-Study funds. Because funding and jobs are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, check the job postings often on the Handshake Job Board. Apply as early as you can after the opening date. See instructions below.

The number of hours per week for which a student can be authorized to work depends on your unmet need as determined by Financial Aid. Many students do not realize they qualify for Work-Study. Do not rule it out before asking. 

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How to Apply for Federal Work-Study

 

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Why Choose Work-Study?

Some of the benefits include:

• INCOME: A monthly earnings check to help toward your expenses.

• LOCATION: On campus or at an off-campus agency that relates to your interests.

• STUDENT-FRIENDLY: Working for an employer that puts students first.

• PAYCHECK ADVANTAGE: Wages are taxable but are exempt from FICA deduction.

• WORK EXPERIENCE: Job experience and employer references are important in the job market.

• ACADEMIC SUCCESS: Feeling connected to the school, learning time management, becoming aware of resources -- all contribute to student success.

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Employment Requirements & Regulations

• Must be approved by the Division Chairperson/Supervisor, appropriate Department Administrator, and Director of Financial Aid.

• Current pay rate is California minimum wage.

• Hours: May work a maximum of 20 hours/week during fall and spring semesters and a maximum of 40 hours/week during breaks but may never earn more than the total Work-Study award amount.

• Summer Federal Work-Study may be approved if funds are available. FWS students must be enrolled in at least 3 units during the summer and have approval from the Financial Aid Director.

• To maintain financial aid eligibility: Must continue active participation in a minimum of 6 units throughout the Fall and/or Spring semester(s) and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress. This includes students who are over Maximum Timeframe, must have an approved Maximum Timeframe Appeal on file with the Financial Aid Office in order to work.

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Hiring Process for Student Assistants

Federal law requires the college, as employer, to verify both the identity and employment eligibility of all employees.

After being offered a job, the student:

• Will receive an FWS Award Eligibility Form from the Career Center, which includes FWS regulations and a signature request using Adobe Sign.
• Once the FWS Award Eligibility Form has been signed by the student, employer, and Dean, the Career Center Staff will submit it to Human Resources for processing.

Students are not authorized to work until cleared by HR