Federal Community Service Work-Study Program

What is the Federal Community Service Work-Study Program?  

The purpose of the Federal Work-Study Program is to provide meaningful employment to students so that they might earn monies to help in the payment of college costs.  The Federal Community Service Work-Study Program allows students to work with non-profit community agencies in doing so.

Which agencies are eligible to participate in the Federal Community Service Work-Study Program?  

Agencies that are identified either as a public organization or a private non-profit organization are eligible to participate in the Federal Community Service Work-Study Program. 

How are students chosen to participate in the Federal Community Service Work-Study Program? 

Students who have demonstrated financial need, according to the criteria of the Department of Education may be awarded Federal Work-Study as part of their financial aid package.  Students are given the opportunity to express interest in working with a community agency in order to fulfill the work-study award.  Agencies are encouraged to interview potential candidates and inform the College of their choice.

How many students can participate in the Federal Community Service Work-Study Program at each agency? 

At least 7% of federal work-study funds must be designated for wages of those students working with non-profit agencies.  Previously we only considered one student per agency, but funding will now permit additional students if the agency has funds available for the matching share.

What type of work can students perform at the agency through the Federal Community Service Work-Study Program? 

In accordance with Federal Work-Study Program Regulations, the agency's description of the work provided should meet the following requirements:

1. The work to be performed by students is work in the public interest.

2. Work to be performed by students will not result in the displacement of employed workers, impair existing contracts for services, or will not fill positions that are vacant because the agency's regular employees are on strike.

3. Work to be performed by students will be governed by such conditions of employment, including compensation, as will be appropriate and reasonable in light of such factors as type of work performed, geographical region and proficiency of the employee, and any applicable Federal, State or local legislation.

4. Work to be performed will not involve political activity associated with a candidate or with a contending faction or group in an election for public or party office, and will not involve lobbying at the Federal level.

5. Work to be performed will not involve construction, operation, or maintenance of any facility used, or to be used, for sectarian instruction or as a place for religious worship.

How many hours per week will the students work at the agency? 

The exact number of hours a student will work at the agency will depend on his/her schedule, the needs of the agency, as well as the student's work-study allowance.  Generally, the average is 5-10 hours per week.

What is the cost of the student employee to the agency? 

Students participating in the Federal Community Service Work-Study Program at Gettysburg College are paid at least $8.00 per hour.  This rate can be increased if the agency so desires.  The Federal Government provides 75% of the wage cost and the agency provides the additional 25%.

How are students paid? 

The students are paid through the College payroll system.  A schedule will be determined for participating agencies to reimburse the College for 25% of these wages.  This is coordinated through the Office of Financial Aid.

How are students informed of Federal Community Service Work-Study positions? 

Community agencies first fill out the online position information form (click here to link to instructions for filling out the form and to link to the form).  Each student who is eligible for the Federal Work-Study program receives a packet of information including necessary paperwork and information about a Financial Aid website which lists work-study positions that are available (referred to as the "Work-Study Journal").  The Community Service Work Study positions are included in this list.  The students are responsible for contacting the agencies to set up an interview.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Center for Public Service at 337-6490 or Jean Stone, Financial Aid, at 337-6611.