WHAT IS FEDERAL WORK STUDY (FWS)?
Federal work-study is a federal government program providing students who qualify the opportunity to work and earn money on campus during their academic career. Federal Work Study students can earn up to $1500 per semester through their positions.
WHERE DOES FWS MONEY GO?
Money earned through FWS is paid directly to the student. Funds are paid just like a paycheck and can be used for whatever a student needs.
WHAT WILL I DO IN A FWS POSITION?
Most FWS positions are usually clerical in nature (I.e., filing, answering phones, organizing front office, etc.). FWS positions allow students to get to know on-campus faculty and staff! Since FWS is an on campus job, positions will work with your course schedule to accommodate your course load.
WILL I BE OFFERED FWS?
Typically, ACCESS students will be offered a work-study position unless they have a lot of outside scholarships or grants coming in. Check your financial aid package to determine if you qualify for FWS, discuss it with your advisor, and if needed contact the Financial Aid Office.
SHOULD I WORK AS A STUDENT?
YES! Researchers have found that students who work a reasonable number of hours (8-10 hours per week) while enrolled in college tend to earn better grades and are more likely to stay in school than students who do not work or students who work a lot of hours. Work-Study provides excellent work experience that can help students build resumes and references while also allowing them to remained focused on education.
HOW DO I ACCEPT FWS?
You need to accept your offer of work study if you would like to work in a federal work study position:
Login to Appalnet Self Service
Click on Student
Click on Student Self-Service
Click on Financial Aid tab
Click on My Award Information
Click on Accept Award Offer by Aid Year
Select the current aid year
Select Accept on the drop-down menu beside the Work-study part of your award
Please Note: Accepting your FWS award is the first step, but it does not guarantee you a job, you must still apply for available positions!
View the Handshake Tutorial video that walks you through how to find a work-study position.
Click here to access Handshake and additional written directions!
WHAT IF I DIDN’T GET FWS OR DON’T WANT A FWS JOB?
If you don't get a FWS offer or want to work a non-FWS position on campus, this is still an option for you!
When you are looking for jobs on Handshake, filter by "on campus jobs" instead of "federal work study".
Click here to access additional tutorials on navigating Handshake.