Work-Study
Work-study is a need-based federal program that could be a part of your financial aid package. The program provides students with part time employment opportunities, with awards (earnings) that range from $1000-2000. With a work study job, you be are paid bi-weekly, based on the hours that you have worked, and these funds are to help offset personal expenses or other educational costs, such as your books or travel home.
In order to receive this money, you have to work an on- or off-campus part time job that is classified as a work-study position. Student Employment Services does not assign specific jobs for students—you would be responsible for your own job search. However, finding a work-study job is not difficult. There are positions all over campus that qualify (and off-campus, too), and Student Employment provides extensive job listings on their web site and at their office at 243 Whitmore Building. If you are interested in working at a specific department, you may contact that department directly to inquire about available employment.
For everything you’ve ever wanted to know about work-study, go to the Student Employment website, and be sure to check out their FAQs.
Work-Study and Community Service
You can take on a work-study job, get amazing career experience, and give back to the community at the same time. UMass Amherst works with various community service agencies that have been approved as work sites for students with work-study opportunities. Check the Student Employment website for a complete listing of these.
One of the great programs in which work-study students participate is the Five College America Reads Program. This program is part of a national effort aimed at insuring that all children are reading independently by the end of the 3rd grade, but serves children up to the 6th grade. The Five College program is working to enlist students and volunteers as reading tutors for our communities’ children.
If you think that a work-study position would fit into your college plans, be sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Remember, this is a need-based award.
Please note that work-study awards are not applied to your university bill, and that the income you earn is taxable.
