Employer Information
Work-Study Programs
The Work-Study programs provide funding for part-time employment to help students finance the cost of education. Students must be paid at least the federal minimum wage.
There are two types of work-study: Federal Work-Study (FWS) and State Work-Study (SWS). The type awarded to a student depends on their eligibility and available funding. Reimbursement rates range from 60-100%, depending on the student, organization, and position.
Eligible employers include:
- CWU Departments
- Federal, state, or local public agencies
- Private nonprofit organizations
- Private for-profit businesses
CWU is required to use a portion of its FWS allocation to support community service jobs, including:
- Reading and math tutors for elementary and middle school students
- Literacy support in family literacy programs
- Emergency preparedness and response roles
On Campus Employers
On campus employers may require or prefer students to be eligible for work-study. Students may request work study funds by submitting the work-study request form.
Every quarter, we will review students who have been approved for work-study to check if they have an active student employment job. If so, we will notify HR and begin paying a portion of their wages.
Off-Campus Employers
CWU partners with off-campus employers to provide Federal Work-Study (FWS) opportunities for eligible students.
- Become and Approved Employer
- New employers should submit the New Organization Request form to FinancialAid@cwu.edu. CWU will send the FWS contract, and related documents needed to establish orgnization reimbursement.
- Create Your Work-Study Position
- Submit signed FWS Contrat and New Position Request to CWU for approval. Once approved, post the position on your website and begin recruiting. CWU will also help share available work-study opportunities with students.
- Hire Your Students!
- Once you have selected a student, submit the Work-Study Personnel Action Form (WSPAF) to FinancialAid@cwu.edu. CWU will verify the student's work-study eligibility and the amount they are authorized to earn. The student may begin working once you receive the approved WSPAF back from CWU.
- Request Reimbursement
- Pay the student through your normal payroll process. Each month, submit an Invoice Voucher to CWU for reimbursement of eligible FWS wages.
- Enjoy the Benefits!
- Gain valuable student employees while reducing your organization's employment costs through Federal Work-Study!
Forms and Documents
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Questions? Contact Us.
Financial Aid
Bouillon Hall 106