Federal Work Study

Federal Work Study (FWS) is a limited, federally funded program that provides part-time job opportunities for students with financial need. The program encourages community service work and gives students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience at a professional level before leaving school. Notification of FWS eligibility does not guarantee that you will be hired under this program.

Criteria

In order to be eligible for Federal Work Study students must meet the following criteria:

Demonstrate financial need. Financial need is determined by the CGCC Financial Aid Office. Please review the Determining Financial Need page for details on how need is determined.
Enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours at CGCC.
Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress. Click here to view this policy.

How to Apply

Step 1
The first step is to apply for financial aid. The financial aid office will then notify you of your eligibility based on your level of need, as determined by the FAFSA.

Step 2
Once you are notified of your eligibility, register with the CGCC Career and Placement Services Office online. You may also visit their office for assistance with preparing a resume.

Step 3
View FWS Job postings and submit applications for the jobs you would like to interview for. (Job postings for 2010-11 will be available in June'10)

Step 4
You will be contacted by the departments you apply with. You may earn up to the amount on your Financial Aid Award Notification.

Types of Federal Work Study Jobs

Every department on campus is approved to hire FWS students, so there are a wide range of jobs available. On-campus jobs have included positions within a department performing general office duties, including using a computer and providing customer service. The College Safety office usually has positions available as well.

Off-campus jobs are available through the America Reads/America Counts Program. In this program, students are employed as reading or math tutors to preschool through elementary age children at local schools. Background checks are required.

2009-10 FWS Job Postings

Disbursement of Funds

Students will receive their FWS funds in the form of a paycheck every two weeks. The hourly wage rate varies based on job description. Students may work up to 20 hours per week and may not earn more than the amount indicated on their Financial Aid Award Notification.

Advantages of Federal Work Study

The income that you earn through FWS is a financial aid award and will not be used to determine you financial aid eligibility for the next year.
Your work schedule is arranged around your class schedule. And, because your academic success is first priority, employers are flexible in allowing time off for studying for exams.
Even if you work in an environment not related to your course of study, FWS gives you the work experience you will need when you are ready to enter the professional world.
Some FWS positions are community service oriented and can be an asset to your academic and professional resumes.