Work Study Programs

Work study awards are offered to students with "need" eligibility, enrolled half-time or more, who indicate an interest in work study. Work study programs provide part-time employment to eligible students on and off campus. The maximum a student can earn is determined by financial need and funds available. Students can work up to 19 hours per week. Every effort is made to place students in jobs that relate to their training. Cascadia Community College participates in both the federal and state work study programs. Work study funds are limited and payroll is filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Federal Work Study and state sponsored Washington Work Study Programs are need-based financial aid programs that give students the opportunity to work part-time while going to school. Under either program, the employer pays only 20 - 35 percent of the student's wages; the rest is subsidized by federal or state funds. Work Study students can therefore find jobs and may be able to keep their loan debt down by earning part of their aid eligibility, rather than borrowing more loans.

To apply for work study assistance, students should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) either online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or by obtaining a paper FAFSA from any high school or college financial aid office and complete a Cascadia Financial Aid Data Sheet. It is recommended that students apply before April 15 each year to ensure availability of funds. Eligible students who indicate that they are interested in work study on their data sheet will receive a Notice of Award (award letter from the Student Financial Services Office). If work study is not listed as an award on the letter, students are welcome to come in or call the Student Financial Services Office, Kodiak Corner (telephone: 425.352.8860), to investigate their eligibility.