Up & Down Financial Aid: Interested in Federal Work Study? Keep Reading.

Looking for a flexible job that fits around your class schedule? The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program allows eligible students to earn money to help pay for educational expenses while gaining valuable work experience. In addition to on-campus positions, some Work-Study opportunities also allow students to earn funding through approved community service work, providing a chance to give back while gaining real-world experience.

If you’re interested in securing a Federal Work-Study position, here’s what you need to know and how to get started.

Step 1: Confirm Your Federal Work-Study Eligibility:

Federal Work-Study eligibility is determined through the FAFSA and requires students to exhibit financial need. To be eligible, students must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen (such as a permanent resident)
• Have unmet financial need, which is determined by subtracting your current financial aid awards and your SAI (Student Aid Index) from your cost of attendance – if easier, students can also ask a Financial Aid Office representative if they are eligible!

Step 2: Search for Available Work-Study Positions on Handshake

All Federal Work-Study job openings are posted on Handshake, GBC’s official student employment platform. Students should login regularly to:

• View current Work-Study job postings
• Review job descriptions and qualifications
• Track application deadlines

👉 Current On-Campus Opportunities

Because Work-Study positions are limited, applying early is strongly recommended.

Step 3: Explore Community Service Work-Study Opportunities

Students interested in completing community service hours while earning Federal Work-Study funding may have additional options beyond what is posted online. These opportunities involve working within the surrounding community (sometimes even on-campus) and may offer flexible schedules.

To learn more about approved community service opportunities, students should visit the Student Affairs Office, where staff can provide information on available opportunities, eligibility requirements, and next steps.

Step 4: Apply and Interview

Once you identify a position that interests you, submit your application as instructed. Some roles may require:

• A résumé
• A short application
• An interview

Students are encouraged to apply for multiple positions to increase their chances of being hired.

Step 5: Complete Hiring Paperwork with HR

After being offered a position, students must complete all required employment paperwork before beginning work. This may include:

• Employment authorization forms
• I-9 verification
• Direct deposit setup

Pay Schedule: What Students Should Know

On-campus student employment earnings are paid once per month, with paychecks issued on the 15th of each month. Earnings are paid directly to students and can be used for educational or eligible personal expenses.

Why Choose Federal Work-Study?

• Flexible schedules that work around your class schedule (20 hours maximum per week)
• On-campus and community-based employment options
• Opportunities to build professional and service-oriented experience

Need Help Getting Started?

For questions about Federal Work-Study eligibility, Handshake job postings, or community service opportunities, stop by the Financial Aid Office in the Fulmer Center or visit the Student Affairs Office in the Jones Center for additional information. You may also contact Financial Aid at 302-225-6264 or [email protected].