Community Service Federal Work-Study Program

In order to participate in the Community Service Federal Work-Study Program, you must have applied for and received a federal work-study grant as part of your financial aid package. If you do not know if you received a work-study award, contact the Office of Financial Aid in Neuberger Hall 176 (503-725-3461).

The Community Service Federal Work-Study (FWS) program links students with a Federal Work-Study Award to community service organizations. The student works directly with a partnering non-profit or government agency and earns his or her work-study award.

Community Service FWS jobs are designed to engage a student in improving the quality of life for community residents, particularly low-income individuals, or to address issues such as: literacy training, social services, housing and neighborhood improvement, public safety, recreation, "at-risk" youth, and community improvement. While earning your FWS award, you have the opportunity to do work that is beneficial to your entire community and gain job experience in community service organizations.

Community Service Work-Study positions can be particularly useful for students pursuing careers in teaching or social services.

To review available opportunities for Community Service Work-Study positions, log on to PSU CareerConnect. If you are interested in finding out more about the Community Service Federal Work-Study program, or have found a position you would like to apply for, please contact Donna Sessions in the Career Center (503) 725-4965 or at sessionsd@pdx.edu.

If you are interested in know more about the Federal Work-Study Program you can go to the financial aid webpage.

Learn about the advantages of community service work-study. Hear what other students have to say about the program.

Work-study is an excellent way to earn income for school expenses. It offers several benefits that other jobs may not.

 

  • Experience: Work-study offers a great opportunity for work experience particularly if you have an interest in teaching or social service.
  • Opportunity for work: The work-study program pays 75% of the salary of a work-study student and the organization pays 25%. America Reads and America Counts programs are paid 100% by the work-study program. This allows non-profit organizations, schools and government agencies to employ students in positions where they may not have been able to hire them otherwise.
  • Opportunity for Careers: Working part-time in non-profit organization or government organization has several benefits. One of the primary benefits is that you have an opportunity to learn more about your community. Some of the organizations employing work-study students include: Boys and Girls Club, Clackamas Women's Services, Girls' Initiative Network, Multnomah County Library, Northeast Community Child Development Center, Oregon Council for the Humanities, Oregon Dept of Human Services, Oregon Literacy, Inc. , Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), Oregon Post Adoption Resource Center, Oregon Zoo, Outside In, Portland Impact, Portland Public Schools, SMART - Oregon Children's Foundation, Washington County Community Corrections,
  • Service to your community: Many students would like to do something in their community but find themselves too busy with school and work to get involved. Community service work-study jobs let you combine two activities, saving you time and earning you money.
  • Academic Credit: Students involved in community service work-study may have the option of earning academic credit. Contact a faculty member in your department about your options.
  • You may be eligible to earn an AmeriCorps education award through your work-study position.

Hear what other students have to say about the program.

"This is definitely not a job where you can sit and do your homework. But at the same time, it doesn’t always feel like work. I can’t imagine not doing a community service job for my work-study. The feeling I get from this work is the same as when I volunteer. Who could ask for a more rewarding job?"

"When I first came to the Career Center, I thought ‘Community Service Jobs – no big deal.’ [but] I realize that working at . (organization) ., I am really helping and getting through…"

"I have learned how valuable it is to have a job that you feel good about and that is fulfilling."

"As I have gotten to know a lot of the students, and even their parents, I’ve begun to feel like I’m really contributing to their education – and not just as a "helper," but as an individual."

""Please encourage everyone to do an internship or get relevant experience before they graduate."

"I love my job. It has given me focus and direction and I now
know that I want to continue with this kind of work."

"At the end of the day, I can go home knowing that I made a difference. My work effects people and the results are right there in front of me."

"My position reminds me of how many people need me, or someone to be a part of their lives, to be a bright spot through challenging times."

"I am really enjoying the work that I do....I get so caught up in it!"

"(supervisor).. gave me the reins and let me go!! It's my project."

It surprised me that I did so well [here]."

"I learned to work more independently which is an attribute I will look for in future jobs. Having independence gave me confidence in my ability to be resourceful and productive without a lot of overview."

AmeriCorps

Students working in the Community Service Federal Work-study Program may also be eligible for Education Awards through AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps members receive an education award that can be used to help cover the costs of education or to pay back qualified student loans. Information on local AmeriCorp Award Programs can be found at: