The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program is a federally funded work program that allows 

Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study.

Here’s a quick overview of Federal Work-Study:

  • It provides part-time employment while you are enrolled in school.

  • It’s available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students with financial need.

  • It’s available to full-time or part-time students.

  • It’s administered by schools participating in the Federal Work-Study Program.

Who can be considered for a Federal Work-Study position?

The key to being considered for a Federal Work-Study position at Ventura College is applying for the FAFSA by the California priority filing deadline of March 2nd.

You must also meet all other deadlines and requirements prescribed by the Financial Aid Office. If you were selected for verification or had outstanding financial aid requirements listed on the Financial Aid section of your my.vcccd.edu portal, you will want to submit that paperwork prior to the Financial Aid Office's Priority Deadline.

All FWS student workers must be maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress to remain eligible for FWS.

Since FWS funds are limited, the Financial Aid Office will contact students who indicated interest in FWS on their FAFSA in first-come, first-served order. The Financial Aid Office will generally begin contacting this applicant pool by email at the beginning of August (or right before the start of the Fall semester). Please make sure to check your my.vcccd.edu email on a regular basis to ensure you do not miss any time-sensitive emails from the Financial Aid Office. If you fail to respond to the FWS email by the prescribed deadline, you will lose your spot on the list and funding will become available to those students next on the list. 

Can a student be considered for a FWS position if they missed the deadlines above?

Possibly. It will depend on that year's funding and the applicant pool. If you have not yet finished the FAFSA or "completed your file", do so immediately. For questions on how to complete the FAFSA or your file, please visit the Financial Aid Office. If you already completed your FAFSA and your file, you may visit the Financial Aid Office to be put on a waitlist for positions as they become available. 

How do students get paid? 

Federal Work-Study wages are paid twice per month by check for students who submit time-sheets by the prescribed deadlines. These wages will not be paid through the financial aid disbursement method you have chosen for any other eligible financial aid grants, loans, etc. Time sheets for the 1st-15th pay period are due on the 16th following the pay period. Time sheets for the 16th-31st pay period (or the last day of the month) are due on the 1st following the pay period. 

Deadline for Online Timesheets: Timesheets must be approved no later than the end of the workday following the end of pay period (unless otherwise notified). If a timesheet is not submitted on time, a paper timesheet will need to be completed for back pay and will be paid on the pay date following the end of the pay period during which it is submitted.

Pay Periods: Pay periods are always the 1st–15th and the 16th– 31st (or last day of the month).
A timesheet is required for each pay period during which a student works. 

Pay Dates: Pay dates are scheduled for the 10th and 25th of each month. If either date falls on a weekend or holiday, the pay date will be moved to the nearest preceding day of business. 

*Student payroll checks can be picked up after 11:00am at the Student Business Office in the Student Services Center on scheduled pay dates. Checks will be mailed at the close of business on the pay date.

How much can a Federal Work-Study student earn?

You’ll earn at least the current California minimum wage. However, you may earn more depending on the type of work you do and the skills required for the position.

Your total work-study award depends on:

  • when you apply,
  • your level of financial need, and
  • your school’s funding level.

How many hours can a student work?

The amount you earn cannot exceed your total Federal Work-Study award. Student workers in the FWS program are limited to 20 hours of work per week while school is in session. When assigning work hours, your supervisor will consider your class schedule and your academic progress.