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Federal Work Study Program |
The Federal Work Study Program was developed by the United States Congress in conjunction with the Department of Education as a method of providing more funding alternatives for college students with financial need. This federally funded program assists students in achieving their post-secondary goals by offering both training and financial assistance through one streamlined program. The Federal Work Study Program is a valuable resource for students, institutions, employers, government agencies, and local communities, as the program seeks to invest in comprehensive services that are in the best interest of the American public.
The Federal Work Study Program provides funds to students in exchange for part time work. Work is assigned to a student based upon their financial need, their class load and schedule, their previous work experience, (if any) and their course of study. Both undergraduate and graduate students may qualify for the Federal Work Study Program, although students may be paid differently according to their status: undergraduate students are typically paid by the hour, and graduate students are often paid by salary. Whatever the case may be, all students are entitled to earn at least the equivalent of the federal minimum wage. Work offered is typically relative to the student's major coursework, or is some form of community service. Employment may be offered at the college or university, through private employers, state or federal government agencies, or nonprofit organizations.
Applying for the Federal Work Study Program is simple and fast; all a student needs to do is fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) that is available at most educational institutions in the United States. Over 3,400 schools, colleges, and universities participate in the Federal Work Study Program, ensuring that students from most schools and regions are able to participate. School administrators use information from the FAFSA, such as income, assets, parental income and assets, number of household members, and whether or not the student is in a dependent or independent status to make award determinations. This same information will also be used to determine if the student qualifies for any other form of student aid, such as loans, grants, or scholarships.
Candidates for the Federal Work Study Program should check with school officials, as certain limitations may apply. For instance, some educational institutions place a limit on the number of hours a student can work under the program in a week. Additionally, many schools require minimum GPA levels to be maintained in order to remain qualified for the program. There are deadlines each year to apply for the program, requiring that applications be made as early as possible. Once funding for the school year has been fully utilized, no further funding will occur until the following school year.
The Federal Work Study Program was designed especially for students with financial need. Typically, only U.S. Citizens are permitted to enroll in the program, although there are some exceptions to this. Often, students that qualify for this program also qualify for other financial need based educational programs. Financial need is determined by a specific formula developed by the United States Department of Education that is applied equitably to all applicants. Students that do not qualify for the Federal Work Study Program may be referred to other resources by school officials.
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