Federal Work-Study

Federal Work Study (FWS) is a federally funded work program that allows Ventura College students to earn money through a part-time job on campus.

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) award pays 100% of the student's earned income.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded financial aid program that provides part-time employment opportunities for eligible Ventura College students. This program allows students to earn money to help pay for educational expenses while gaining valuable work experience.

Students awarded FWS can work on campus or at approved off-campus locations, such as nonprofit organizations or community service agencies. Jobs are often related to the student’s course of study or offer opportunities to build transferable skills.

The Federal Work-Study award pays 100% of the student's earned income, which means the wages do not come out of the hiring department’s budget. Students are typically paid at least the current minimum wage and can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year, depending on their award amount and class schedule.

Participation in the FWS program not only supports students financially but also helps them develop professional skills, build resumes, and create connections with faculty, staff, and the college community.

Take a look at available FWS jobs here!

Student Eligibility Requirements:

Student must have a completed FAFSA on file
Maintain half-time enrollment (6 units or more)
Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (meet all 3 of the following)
- Qualitative Standard: 2.0 minimum cumulative grade pint average (GPA) in all coursework attempted
- Quantitative Standard: 67% minimum course completion of all coursework attempted
- Max time frame standard: Attempted units may not exceed 150% of the number of units required to complete the student's educational objective.

Maintaining Federal Work-Study (FWS) Award

Student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress

Warning: If the student is placed on Warning at the end of the Fall semester, they cannot resume working until their Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) has been cleared and they receive notice that they may continue to work in the Spring.

Probation: If the student is placed on Probation at the end of Fall, they cannot resume working until their academic progress has been reviewed and their Appeal Verification Coursework Form has been approved.

Suspension of Eligibility: If the student is placed on Suspension, at the end of the Fall semester, or is in the process of a financial aid appeal, they cannot resume working until their appeal has been reviewed and approved by the financial aid appeal committee.

Max Time Frame: The student placed on Max time frame at the end of the Fall semester, or who is in the process of a financial aid appeal, cannot resume working until their appeal has been reviewed and approved by the financial aid appeal committee.

Academic Plan: If a student is placed on Academic Plan at the end of Fall, they must complete 100% of all attempted units with a term grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better and must be following the approved Academic Plan. They cannot resume working until their academic progress has been reviewed and their Appeal Verification Coursework Form has been approved.

Timesheets: If a student does not submit a time sheet for a pay period, their award will be canceled. If student is ill, they must contact the supervisor.

Funding allocation changes.

Due to funding limitations, it is possible that FWS allocations may be reduced for all students if there are not sufficient funds to cover projected earnings.

If, after being awarded, a student receives additional aid (scholarships, EOPS, CARE, or other resources related to their education), their financial aid award will be reviewed and adjusted accordingly. This may result in a reduction of their work-study award. Both student and supervisor will be notified of this change.

Federal work study award may be increased.

If there are FWS funds available and the student's financial aid eligibility has not been met, the student award may be increased. This action is reviewed by the Financial Aid Office on a case-by-case basis.

JOB POSTINGS FOR FALL 2025 - SPRING 2026:

We are excited to announce the new job postings for the upcoming academic year! Please visit Federal Work Study Jobs to view all available positions for Fall 2025 - Spring 2026. Click here to view the available jobs!

Once hired, students will need to complete the Federal Work Study Orientation and FERPA Training.

Have questions about your paycheck?

Please contact:

Kimberly Herrera, Accounting Technician

(805) 289-6008 I kimberly_munoz1@vcccd.edu

Highlights from Last Year's Federal Work-Study Job Fair!

Please Note: Campus Offices Will be Closed on Friday, August 8, for Staff Development.

Federal Work-Study