Federal Work-Study

Overview

What is Federal Work Study?

The work study program offers students the opportunity to earn money on campus or at a public or private non-profit organization. The earnings may be used to help pay for educational expenses as well as provide some spending money while focusing on coursework. In addition, this federal program can help students gain valuable work experience while earning a competitive pay rate.

Applying for Federal Work Study

To apply for Federal Work Study, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Based on the FAFSA, CUNY packaging criteria, and financial needs, students may be allocated a Federal Work-Study offer for the fall/spring semesters. It is important to file the FAFSA early because funds are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Benefits

Federal Work Study positions can give you your first exposure to the job market. FWS employers are often willing to give you on-the-job training and in an area within your field of study. You can find positions relating directly to your program of study or career choice, thereby gaining valuable job experience. You may learn about giving something back to the community through a community service related FWS position. When you look for full-time employment after you graduate, you may use your FWS job as an employment reference. Also if you are enrolled in the Cooperative Education department, you can sometimes use the FWS job to fulfill your internship requirement.

Who is Eligible to Receive FWS?

Recipients, beyond demonstrating financial need on the FAFSA application, should be matriculated and enrolled on at least a half-time basis (six credits or its equivalent). During the Summer, continuing students do not have to be enrolled, but must register for the following Fall semester as a half-time matriculated student. In addition:

• Students must be U.S. Citizens or an eligible non-citizen. International students are not eligible for this program.
• Recipients need to maintain good academic standing.
• For entering Freshmen, the Work Study begins with the Fall semester.

Where Would I Work?

Where you work depends on the job you have applied for, the amount of your award, class schedule and job skills. You may work either on-campus in one of the departments of the College or off-campus at a number of for-profit and non-profit community service agencies. Also, it may be possible for you to work at selected companies in the private sector that choose to participate in the program. If you receive a small award or have a heavy class schedule, you will usually be placed on-campus.

Next Steps -- And Can I Choose Where I Would Like To Work?

Yes. If you receive FWS, you will complete an on-line orientation and apply for jobs online with the “NextGen” system. You will view a list of jobs available on-line. After you submit your application on-line you may arrange for an interview with the work-study employer. After the interview, if the supervisor is interesting in hiring you, he/she must submit an online hire request for you. Once the Federal Work Study program receives your hire request, you and the supervisor will receive an email stating that your hire request has been approved. Applicants should receive a response from the supervisor within 48 hours on the status of your application. If you are not contacted, you should email the supervisor to follow-up and/or choose another job assignment.

Filling out an I-9 form: According to federal law, the identity and work eligibility of all FWS students must be verified before beginning a FWS assignment. You will have to complete an I-9 form and present certain documents to the appropriate FWS representative. You may not participate in the on-campus FWS program until you have filed an I-9 form with the Financial Aid Office. If you work off-campus, you will file your I-9 with your off-campus employer.

Can I Earn As Much Money As I Want?

No. Your FWS award represents the maximum amount you may earn for the academic year. How much of the total award you actually receive depends on your rate of pay, the total number of hours you work each week, and the number of weeks you work during the year. Once you have earned your maximum FWS award, you will have to stop working.

Non-Discrimination Statement — City Tech

It is the policy of City Tech to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and provide benefits to employees and to admit and provide services for students without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, alienage, citizen-ship, military or veteran status, unemployment status or status as a victim of domestic violence.

Frequently Asked Questions