A Federal Work-Study position provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The federal work-study program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study.
Students who indicated they were interested in FWS when they submitted the Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet Federal and PennWest financial aid eligibility
requirements will receive a federal work-study offer. Your Financial Aid Summary
in your my.pennwest.edu self-service portal will show you if you received a Federal
work-study offer.
If you would like to be considered for federal work-study, you can contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@pennwest.edu to request a review of your eligibility.
Pennsylvania has its own Work-Study Program outside of the Federal Work-Study Program. The program is open to all PA students, as long as the meet the eligibility requirements. This is an additional opportunity to earn money for school and experience for the real world.
Receiving a Federal Work-Study award does not guarantee you a job. All students interested in participating in Work-Study are responsible for finding and applying for a job.
Yes. There are three types of work-study programs.
- Federal work-study is awarded only to students who demonstrate financial need. Students may contact the Financial Aid Office to request a review of your financial aid package for eligibility.
- Institutional work-study, which is available to all students regardless of need. On-campus work-study jobs are made available each semester, and new opportunities are often added. Work study positions can be available in academic departments and in other areas of the University, such as the Office of Human Resources, University Development and Alumni Relations, and more.
- PennWest University’s Community Service work-study is offered to students who work within a community organization designed to improve the quality of life for community residents or solve problems related to their needs.
Unlike many forms of financial aid, the money goes directly to the student instead of the institution. Funds are received in the form of a bi-weekly paycheck. All paychecks are based on a standard hourly wage and the number of hours worked for each pay period.
Nothing happens to a student's financial aid offer if the work-study funds are not utilized.
Work-Study questions can be directed to the Financial Aid Office at any of the three campuses.
California: 724-938-4415
Clarion: 814-393-2315
Edinboro: 814-732-3500
Email: financialaid@pennwest.edu
To view all available work-study positions available, students must long into Handshake, the Career Center’s student employment site. Students are encouraged to check this site often as jobs are posted when they become available.