Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded program that provides employment for students that demonstrate a financial need, to meet their indirect cost of attending college and is an excellent way for qualified students to gain relevant experience concerning their program while working part-time.
Federal Work-Study jobs are available internally through Purdue Global or off-site (non-profit organizations/government agencies) for students who qualify based on their financial needs. FWS students get paid hourly (typically $16/hr), and work hours can range from 4 up to 20 hours/week depending on their Financial Aid package eligibility. Hours are convenient as the student schedules them with the Federal Work-Study site and several of our sites are virtual.
To learn more, contact PGFWS@purdueglobal.edu
What does a student need to do to be considered?
Any student that has at least nine months until graduation, has started their first term, and is in good academic standing can apply to see if they qualify based on their financial aid packaging.
Once qualified and approved, students can work in their local community at non-profits or governmental agencies both on-site and virtually. Federal Work-Study options may also be available internally at Purdue Global in Peer Tutoring, Student Success, and several other departments doing virtual positions. Please note that these opportunities are limited and not always available.
What is the process for students?
Students must complete a survey informing the Federal Work-Study team of their interest and provide additional information on the type of site they are interested in. The Federal Work-Study team determines their eligibility and works with the student to identify an organization related to their program of study.
Once a site decides to host a student, they will go through the hiring process (i.e., job application, submitting their resume, interview, eligibility to work in the United States, and background check if required.) At the same time, a Financial Aid representative will re-verify student eligibility to confirm the number of hours the student is eligible to work (part-time, 4 to 20 hours per week). Before they start working, students will have a short orientation with a Federal Work-Study team member discussing payroll and other relevant topics.
How does a student apply?
For further information and to apply for the program, students should navigate to the CareerNetwork in their student portal and complete the Federal Work-Study survey, or click on this link and apply today to check your eligibility to participate in the Federal Work-Study program.
What are a few examples of potential Federal Work-Study partnerships?
A Psychology student working at the Crisis Text Line as a Crisis Counselor – virtual position
An Education student working at Reading Partners tutoring school-age children – on-site and virtual positions
A Legal student working at Legal-Aid helping with legal briefs, research, and documents – on-site and virtual positions
A Communications student working with Purdue Global Student Success department as a Social Influencer – virtual
Students from various programs work as Peer Tutors to help other students – virtual position
The Federal Work-Study team has more sites being built every week!