Federal Work-Study is a federally funded program that provides financial support for sutdents with a demonstrated financial need. These funds are part of your financial aid package and are to be used for part-time employment. The Work-Study portion of you rfinancial aid award can represent up to the full amount of your self-help aid. If you do not earn your work-study award, or choose not to accept it, you may request additional loan funds instead, or you may earn the amount in a non-work-study, off-campus job.
Freshman may be awarded Federal Work-Study as part of their financial aid package; however, they may not being work-study employment, or any part-time employment, until second term. All freshmen need to obtain written permission to work from the Dean or Associate Dean of Students.
Where are Federal Work-Study jobs?
Federal Work-Study jobs are available on campus, at JPL, and at some non-profit community service agencies. When you accept Work-Study, any position you take on campus automatically become a work-study position (wether advertised as such or not), so long as you will be paid on the Caltech hourly payroll. As with any other part-time job on campus, Work-Study positions may be technical or non-technical in nature.
How do I find a Federal Work-Study job?
On-Campus: The Career Development Center (CDC) advertises jobs available on campus in a job notebook that should be checked often. One of the most effective methods of finding a job on campus is to talk to faculty members whose research interests matches your own. If you are not familiar with "who's doing what," there are several resources you can use:
JPL: A limited number of positions at JPL are available for Caltech students who are eligible for the Work-Study program. JPL positions may be advertised in the CDC, but for specific information contact the Program Coordinator at 77-43750.
I'm interested in community service work; can I do that under the Work-Study program?
Due to the Higher Education Act, work-study moneys can now be paid to students who would like to work with off-campus, community service programs. The Caltech Y seeks local agencies that have staff needs. Contacs are limited to those agencies within walking distance of Caltech or those convenient to bus routes. There is no cost to the agencies. A variety of opportunities are available from tutoring and mentoring local school students to servering meals at soup kitchens. You may also work with trail maintenance programs, food banks, and AIDS organizations. This is an excellent way to experience a completely different type of environment, work with people in need, mkae a difference in the community - and get paid for it. For more information talk to Sue Bunker at the Caltech Y.
How does a Federal Work-Study job differ from other types of jobs?
Work-Study positions differ only in the way the salary is handled. Current federal regulations stipulate that the federal government pay 75% of your salary and the hiring department pay the remaining 25%. International students on the Caltech Student Work-Study Program are paid 60% by Financial Aid and 40% by the hiring department.
Your award letter will show you the 100% or "gross" earnings you can make under Work-Study. The actual salary paid to Work-Study students does not differ from students in other positions. Caltech has recommended salary ranges based upon a student's class level and the nature of the work (technical or non-technical). These recommended ranges are adjusted each October. The average salary for the 1992-93 academic year was $7.85 per hour.
You may work up to 16 hours per week. To work more hours, you must receive permission from the Dean or Associate Dean of Students. The average number of hours worked by Caltech students per week during the academic year is 10. Remember, your Work-Study award is for the specific dollar amount - if this is used up before the end of the academic year you may continue working only if your employer is willing to pay 100% of your salary. These non-Work-Study earnings may affect your financial aid package. Therefore, if you need to request an increase in your Work-Study award, you should see a Financial Aid Counselor before your Work-Study allocation is fully earned.
I'd like to work during the summer, what do I do?
Summer Work-Study is need-based financial aid award determined by your eligibility to receive financial aid for the next academic year. Summer Work-Study allows you to earn a portion of your expected award for the following academic year in advance. SURF students are also eligible to apply for Summer Work-Study.
Application for Summer Work-Study is separate from the application for financial aid during the academic year. Information about the Summer Work-Study program is available from the Financial Aid Office.
What benefits are there to being employed in a Federal Work-Study Position?
Although the primary purpose of the Work-Study program is to help you earn a portion of your financial aid award, part-time employment has some distinct career advantages. Students working in career-related positions make more confident career choices at graduation, adapt better to the work environment, have higher initial salary offers, and are promoted more quikcly.
Realistically, not all of you will have the opportunity to obtain a Work-Study job related to your career goals. The number of career-related positions is limited. Additionally, if you are a freshman or sophomore you may have limited work experieicne that may make it difficult for you to compete with juniors and seniors for these positions. However, non-career-related positions can provide other benefits. Being employed can help you test your ability to handle work-related pressures and deadlines, help you learn about organizational politics and policies. You may even be able to turn a routine position into something more meaningful by exhibiting an ability to work hard and a willingness to do the work.
Some students' first choice is a non-technical position. This gives them the opportunity to benefit in other ways. First, you get a break from teh technical rigors of Caltech. Second, non-technical positions often provide some immediate and gratifying benefits. For example, waiters at the Athenaeum get one free meal a day and ushers for Public Events get to enjoy many of the events free-of-charge.
Career Development Center
08 Parsons-Gates, x6361
Hours, 8 a.m. - 12 noon and 1 - 5 p.m.
Financial Aid Office
515 S. Wilson, x6280
Hours: 8 a.m. - 12 noon and 1 - 5 p.m.
Dean of Students
102 Parsons-Gates, x6351
Hours: 8 a.m. - 12 noon and 1 - 5 p.m.
Program Coordinator, Federal Work-Study, JPL, x777-43750
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