Work-Study Jobs
What is Work-Study?
When you apply for financial aid, you will receive a financial aid award letter. Work-Study is one of several types of aid you may receive. Other types of aid include: loans, grants, and scholarships. Work-Study is a program that allows you to earn money to help pay for educational expenses. Unlike other forms of financial aid, Work-Study is not applied directly to your financial debt; instead, you work at a job and receive a bi-monthly paycheck. The name of "Work-Study" sometimes confuses students and employers. Work-Study does NOT imply that you are allowed to study on the job.
Work-Study jobs may be on-campus or selected off-campus positions. The dollar amount of the Work-Study award will vary depending on your financial need. Work-Study money can be provided by the federal or state government, but it is awarded by the Bellevue College Financial Aid office. Work-Study pays between 75% - 100% of your wages, and the employer pays any difference. Ultimately, the hourly wage will be decided by the employer.
What if I Did Not Get a Work-Study Award?
If you received your Financial Aid award letter and it did not include a Work-Study award, you may still be eligible. Your initial award letter reflects the amount of Federal Work-Study you have been awarded. If you did not receive a Federal award, you may still be able to obtain a State Work-Study award. The BC Work-Study Coordinator, Jane Foster, can help you determine if you are eligible for a State Work-Study award.
What Do I Do if I Get a Work-Study Award?
If you choose to use the Work-Study portion of your financial aid award, you must first find a Work-Study job and be hired by the employer. You will not be placed into a job; rather, you must apply just as you would for any other kind of job. Have your award letter with you to show potential employers!
On-Campus Jobs
The Bellevue College Work-Study Coordinator, Jane Foster, can meet with you to discuss your resume and current on-campus Work-Study job openings that match your skill level and availability. Call (425) 564-2279 to schedule an appointment with Jane – and bring a copy of your resume to the appointment!
Off-Campus Jobs
You may be able to get a Work-Study job off-campus. Sometimes employers post these jobs on our CONNECT web site: http://bellevuecollege.edu/careers/connect.html. If you locate an off-campus Work-Study position, the employer must have a Work-Study contract with Bellevue College. If the company does not already have a contract with the college, they can contact the Work-Study Coordinator, Jane Foster, at (425) 564-2279.
If you have a Federal Work Study (FWS) award, any off-campus employment MUST be in one of the following categories: community service, adult literacy, America Reads, or a non-profit agency that has a contract on file at the college. If you have a State Work Study (SWS) award, the off-campus employer needs to register with the Higher Education Coordination Board (HECB) in Olympia and have a job description approved and on file in the Center for Career Connections. The position should be in the student's field of study; not a replacement for a current employee; and be paid a comparable salary.
If You are Hired
If you are hired, you will need to fill out a W-4 withholding form, a Bellevue College Employment Authorization form, and an I-9 Eligibility Verification form. You must provide two forms of identification for the I-9 form. You must provide your U.S. Social Security card AND one of the following: U.S. passport, official picture ID, or state driver's license. These are among the list of acceptable documents.
An Example
- Student fills out the FAFSA (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov) and receives a financial aid award letter.
- The award letter includes a Federal Work-Study award of $2,000 for the Fall Quarter
- Student meets with the Bellevue College Work-Study Coordinator, Jane Foster, and she assists Student in locating and applying for a Work-Study job (on- or off-campus).
- Student receives a Work-Study job.
- Student may not work more than 19 hours per week while school is in session, and Student may not receive more than $2,000 of pay during the Fall Quarter.
- Student will be paid twice monthly, on the 10th and 25th. If for any reason Student is dropped from Financial Aid, Student must stop work immediately.
Why should I use my Work-Study Award?
Some students need to work in order to meet educational and living expenses, while others wish to work because they feel the experience can be a valuable part of their education. Studies have shown that students who work often do just as well or better academically than non-working students.
Here are some reasons to consider working while you’re in school:- The skills obtained from working complement academic performance and communicate to future employers the ability to succeed in a professional setting.
- You can gain additional financial resources and reduce the necessity for student loans.
- Depending on the position, it may be an opportunity to gain practical experience and network with professionals in your field. Or it may be an opportunity to sample different career choices.
- It’s a way to establish a work record for your resume. Almost any job can enhance fundamental skills such as communication, time management, customer service, etc.
- Having your own source of earned income can provide you with a heightened sense of independence.
Here are some reasons to pursue a Work-Study job:
- Most Work-Study jobs are on-campus, which is very convenient.
- If you’re on-campus, you can develop a sense of community and involvement with Bellevue College.
- Work-Study employers will work with you to make your work schedule mesh with your class schedule. You will not be asked to work during class times, and employers are flexible in allowing time off for studying for exams.
- Work-Study wages are not counted towards next year's student contribution for financial aid. Wages from a non-Work-Study job will be counted towards next year's student contribution for financial aid and may reduce eligibility for need-based financial aid.