A quick guide to Federal work-study Programs
Have you found money yet for your school? There’s no need to worry! The federal government is here to help. Have you ever heard of the Federal Work Study Program? If not, this may just be your lucky day for that one golden ticket to success. After having exhausted all your federal grants and loans options, you can still get that money for school, whether you are a graduate or an under grad – by simply working on or off-campus to do community service or other types of work related to your studies. There’s simply no reason why you shouldn’t try this option.
What is a Federal Work Study Program?
If you have found money for your studies, that’s great news for you. But, there are still more than a handful of students needing financial help. A federal work study program lets you do part-time job to help you get the money you need for school. You may earn something that’s not lesser than the federal minimum hourly wage. Those who found money through this program may not receive the same amount as others who did, since it will depend on your financial needs and just how much you have to pay for school. Overall, a federal work study program helps you make ends meet when everything seems to be hopeless.
The Benefits: For Those Who Have Found Money Through FWS
If you feel that you will be doing slave labor, think again. Federal work study programs may just be the perfect way for you to get those extra funds and these reasons tell you why:
1. You’ll get extra money to pay for your expenses
2. Working on campus helps you get familiar with the school and the students
3. Working off campus will help you get acquainted with your community
4. You can have flexible work hours
5. You can definitely learn practical skills and gain experience related to your field of study
6. Your future employers will be impressed by your work portfolio because of your work-study experience
7. You get to manage your time well
How Do You Qualify for a Federal Work Study Program
1. File for a FAFSA ( Free Application for Federal Student Aid ) as early as the 1st of January. Since this program is on a first-come, first-served basis, you have to apply as soon as possible. Make sure that your estimated income tax is completed by the time you file for one.
2. Contact your school’s financial aid office and send a Letter of Appeal. Your FAFSA score may not reflect your true needs and you need a letter to back up your claim. Just answer this question: Why can’t you attend school without being enrolled in the work-study program? Be honest.
3. If you’re accepted for a job, try doing a maximum of 20 hours a week so you’ll have time for your studies too. Your employers understand this and most of them will encourage you to do so.
4. For undergrads, enroll in at least six semester hours to qualify. Graduate students will do well with at least three semester hours. Anything less will definitely disqualify you from an FWS program.
5. Know if you need to maintain a certain GPA ( Grade Point Average ) in order to qualify for a federal work study program. You may lose your job if your grades will slip below their average GPA requirement.
Studying is a tough work. To study while working may just be an impossible feat for many, but always keep in mind: If there’s a will, there’s SURELY a way! It’s all about priorities and making small personal sacrifices. You may not like working on a Friday night, but if it will be your key to your dream job that earns 5-6 figures a year, it may as well be worth it. If you have more questions on the Federal Work Study Program or FWS, you may visit the U.S. Department of Education online ( http://www.ed.gov/ ), or you may contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at toll-free number: 1-800-4FED-AID or 1-800-433-3243. Good Luck!
READINGS:
http://www2.ed.gov/programs/fws/index.html
http://www.collegeanswer.com/paying/content/pay_work.jsp
http://www.studentfinancedomain.com/non-loan_options/work_study.aspx
http://www.ehow.com/how_4617149_qualify-federal-work-study-program.html
http://www2.ed.gov/programs/fws/contacts.html
