What is Work Study?

Work Study is a federally and state-funded program that helps students with financial needs through on and off-campus jobs which are relevant to a student’s major or career interest. There are a select number of Work Study positions at SPSCC each year.

  • It is a need-based financial aid award.
  • It is not a grant since you must work to earn it, and it is not a loan since you don't have to pay it back.
  • There is limited funding, so the program is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • A Work Study award does not guarantee employment, you must complete the steps below.

Work Study & Student Employment Benefits

  • Part-time employment allows for flexible schedules.
  • Extra income helps pay for living and college expenses.
  • Can take the place of having to take out a student loans.
  • Get on-the-job training across various areas, including community service.
  • Create a professional network and real-world experience

Types of Work Study

  • Federal Work Study
  • State Work Study
  • Community Service Work Study 
  • Work Study Tutors (America Reads Program)
  • WorkFirst Work Study

Steps to Obtaining an On Campus Work Study Job:

Step 1  Check your Financial Aid Award in ctcLink to verify if you have been offered Work Study. Students who are eligible are automatically awarded the funds. If you do not see work study on your award letter, stop by the One Stop in Building 22 for help determining if it can be added to your award. 

Step 2  Head over to Handshake, log into your student account and review the positions that indicate that they are work study eligible. 

Step 3  Submit your resume and follow-up with any requests by an employer to have you come in for an interview. 

*WorkFirst Work Study students will need to check directly with the WorkFirst Program Specialist to see if you are eligible to participate in the WFWS program.

Once an employer selects you for a work study position, they will send your information to our Work Study Specialist who will review your paperwork and contact you to bring in your documents that verify your eligibility to work in the United States. 

When you've completed your paperwork, it will be forwarded to HR and they will let us know when you are ready to work. The Work Study Specialist will then email you with your start date and employment information.

 

Overview of Handshake

Handshake is SPSCC's new online job database. You can search and apply for student positions both part-time and work study, from your computer or mobile device.

For more information about how to use Handshake, check out these Handshake resources:

 

My experience as a work study participant allowed me my first glimpse of the professional world that I am on my way to joining full-time.

Amanda Sides|Transfer Student to University of Washington

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