What is Federal Work-Study?
The Federal Work-Study Program is a work program subsidized by the federal government. Eligible students receive a Work-Study Grant in their federal financial aid package annually:
If you are interested in an On-Campus Work-Study position, please visit the Office of Financial Aid in Harkins Hall.
The Federal Work-Study Program is a work program subsidized by the federal government. Eligible students receive a Work-Study Grant in their federal financial aid package annually:
- Awards for the upcoming academic year usually become available in the summer preceding an academic year.
- Students interested in beginning work in July will apply online and interview in June.
- Students interested in beginning work in September will apply and interview in August or September. The position will not be formally available until late August.
If you are interested in an On-Campus Work-Study position, please visit the Office of Financial Aid in Harkins Hall.
What is Community Work-Study (CWS)?
Community Work-Study is often called “Off Campus Work Study.” CWS is paid community service work that students perform at local partner service organizations. Like regular work-study, students are paid through Providence College (not the service site).
What are the benefits to students?
Students can:
Where can students work?
The Feinstein Institute maintains contracts with sites. To respect and strengthen existing partnerships, students may not create their own placement sites. A list of available CWS sites is available on the Community Partners & Open Positions page.
Sometimes, students are able to complete their internship requirement for their major and meet Community Work-Study eligibility requirements through the same internship placement. These opportunities require permission from a student’s advisor or department, and are arranged on a case by case basis.
Categories of “Community Service Work” include:
How much can I work? How do I balance my schoolwork?
It is up to the student and his/her site supervisor to set a schedule that fits the needs of the site and the schedule of the student. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure s/he does not work more than his/her work-study award allows. The student will not get paid for any hours worked once that maximum amount reached.
Consider:
Which site is right for me?
Community Work-Study is often called “Off Campus Work Study.” CWS is paid community service work that students perform at local partner service organizations. Like regular work-study, students are paid through Providence College (not the service site).
- The Feinstein Institute aims to strengthen relationships between Providence College and the surrounding community through CWS site partnerships. Some CWS placement sites are already “core partners” of the Feinstein Institute. Students from service-learning courses may regularly volunteer at core partner organizations alongside the CWS student(s). This overlap allows for strong, long term relationships with local organizations in the community
What are the benefits to students?
Students can:
- Contribute to local service organizations and learn about diverse communities and current political, social, and economic climates in the greater Providence area.
- Build relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and mentors who may guide students as they explore your professional interests and develop a professional network.
- Earn an above-minimum wage of $11.00/hour to help offset the cost of college. Students may work up to 20 hours/week while school is in session and up to 35 hours/week during school breaks.
- Develop professional skills while explore meaningful work and work environments.
- Apply and challenge classroom learning in a “real-world” environment.
Where can students work?
The Feinstein Institute maintains contracts with sites. To respect and strengthen existing partnerships, students may not create their own placement sites. A list of available CWS sites is available on the Community Partners & Open Positions page.
Sometimes, students are able to complete their internship requirement for their major and meet Community Work-Study eligibility requirements through the same internship placement. These opportunities require permission from a student’s advisor or department, and are arranged on a case by case basis.
Categories of “Community Service Work” include:
- Schools: Literacy training, tutorial service, support services to teachers and administrative staff.
- Youth and Community Development: Child care, mentoring, transportation, public safety, crime prevention and control, library programming, and recreational activities.
- Healthcare: Hospitals, clinics, help lines, and health-based social services.
- Social Justice and Advocacy: Civic engagement and government, advocacy or legislative efforts, and building resources within underserved populations, i.e., workers’ rights.
How much can I work? How do I balance my schoolwork?
It is up to the student and his/her site supervisor to set a schedule that fits the needs of the site and the schedule of the student. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure s/he does not work more than his/her work-study award allows. The student will not get paid for any hours worked once that maximum amount reached.
Consider:
- What is my class schedule like this semester?
- Can I balance a job with my other commitments, such as a club, sports team, family obligations, or other employment?
Which site is right for me?
- Does the site offer opportunities to explore my career and service interests?
- Could the site utilize a Work-Study student during the days and hours that I am available?
- Am I interested in working through school vacations to increase my hours? Is the site able to provide enough work for me during those times?
- Do I have reliable transportation? How long does it take to travel to and from each site?
Think Community Work-Study is a good fit for you?