What is Federal Work-Study?

  • The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program is a federally-funded work program that allows Ventura College students who have received a Federal Work-Study award from the Financial Aid Office to earn money through a part-time job during the academic year.
  • The Federal Work-Study (FWS) award pays 100% of the student's earned income.

Student Eligibility Requirements

  • Students must apply and complete Financial Aid file by Priority Deadline
  • Maintain half-time enrollment (6 units or more)
  • Find a job by established deadline
  • Come in to the Financial Aid Office to view available job listings
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress:
  1. Qualitative standard - 2.00 minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) in all coursework attempted
  2. Quantitative standard - 67% minimum course completion of all coursework attempted
  3. Max time frame standard -  Attempted units may not exceed 150% of the number of units required to complete the student's educational objective.

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.

UNSAT: If the student is placed on Unsatisfactory progress at the end of the Fall semester, or is in the progress 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.

Maintaining Federal Work-Study (FWS) Award

If student does not work on a continuing basis. 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 both the supervisor and the financial aid office.

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.  This action is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.