If there were one thing I wish I had taken advantage of when I came to college, it would be the Federal Work-Study (FWS). As a junior in college, I am always looking for easy and flexible opportunities to make money, and Federal Work Study is at the top of my list. Read this blog to learn about the Federal Work-Study and how you can access it through your university!
Federal Work Study provides part-time jobs for students with financial needs, allowing them to earn money to help pay for college. As a junior in college, I wanted to maintain a job that worked for my schedule that also was not labor intensive. In the fall semester, I became aware of the work-study program and asked one of my friends how she became a part of it. With my schedule getting lighter and also decreasing my extracurricular activities, such as Bumble, I needed another source of income to make up for what I was losing.
At first, Federal Work Study was only accessible through FAFSA, but with the new FAFSA changes, I did not have to complete any information via my FAFSA.
How Did You Get Into Federal Work Study at Xavier?
When I became aware of FWS, I emailed the FWS department at my university [cwsjobs@xula0.onmicrosoft.com for my Xavier students], asking them if they have any available work study for the semester. Even though the semester had already started, I still wanted to ask if I could have access to the work-study program. Within days, I received an email that the Federal Work-Study was closed. Although disappointed, I thanked them for letting me know and asked them to let me know if there would be any availability for the Fall semester. I kid you not; two weeks later, I received a congratulations email that I had been accepted into the Federal Work-Study program.
What Do You Do For Work?
I work in the Organic Chemistry Resource via the Academic Resource Center for my FWS program. I make sure students are checked into their appointments, make appointments for the students, write Orgo formulas on the whiteboard, and create content and graphics for the Academic Resource Center. I get to make my own hours and it is only 10 hours a week!
How Much Do You Make?
More than enough :) I get paid every two weeks via Direct Deposit.
Any Additional Benefit of FWS?
If you work 20 hrs a week (which is also the maximum amount of FWS per week,) you may be eligible to apply for food stamps in your state!
What Are Some Tips If I Want To Apply?
When you apply to FWS, I encourage you to be consistent. If they deny you, ask them to alert you if any position becomes available for that semester. Ask your university what is required to be a part of the FWS program and if there are any deadlines you need to adhere to. Overall, the process to apply was fairly easy!