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Work-Study Financial Aid & Scholarships

About Work-Study

Overview

The Federal Work Study (FWS) program helps students earn funds for educational expenses while providing work experience. This program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study.

  • Administered by the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office in partnership with the Student Employment Office
  • Available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students with financial need
  • Provides part-time employment while enrolled at least half-time
  • FWS employers include on-campus departments and Off-Campus auxiliaries and non-profit organizations

The Learning-Aligned Employment Program (LAEP) offers eligible students at public colleges and universities the opportunity to earn money to help defray their educational costs while gaining education-aligned, career-related employment.

Student Process

  1. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student (FAFSA)
  2. Must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  3. Be enrolled at least half-time while participating in the program
    • Undergrad: 6 units
    • Post-Bac: 4 units
  4. Maintain a 2.0 GPA for Undergrads and 3.0 GPA for Post-Bac
  5. Attend FWS Orientation Session (optional)
  6. If awarded, search FWS positions beginning July 1 through Handshake
  7. Want more information? Attend s student orientation session or view the FWS tutorial Video: FWS Tutorial Video

FWS Student Information

Employer Process

  1. Attend mandatory FWS employer Orientations
  2. Submit required documents in a timely fashion
  3. Ensure applicable payment for participation is received
  4. Verify prospective student has been awarded FWS and the award amount
  5. Maintain accurate records to ensure:
    • Department/agency does not exceed FWS allocation
    • Student does earn more than their FWS award
  6. Comply with all prescribed regulations regarding the Federal Work Study program

FWS Employer Information

2023-2024 Dates to Keep in Mind

Date Event
Friday, July 1, 2023 FWS Jobs available on Handshake
Monday, August 28, 2023 FWS-hired students can begin working
Monday, September 25, 2023 Fall 2023 Census
Friday, December 15, 2023 Last day of FWS employment for Fall only students
December 18, 2023 - January 1, 2024 Winter Recess (students)
January 2 - January 20, 2024 Winter Break (continuing students can work)
Tuesday, January 22, 2024 FWS Spring hires can begin working
Friday, February 16, 2024 Spring 2024 Census 
March 18–24, 2024  Spring Recess
Friday, May 17, 2024 Last day of work for all FWS students

Find Us

Student Service Center
Lassen Hall, Room 1000
Office Hours: Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.