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Community Work Study

Federal Community Service Work Study (FCSWS):

The Federal Community Service Work Study program is a federally subsidized work program providing eligible students the opportunity to work for public or 501 (c) 3 non-profit organizations whose mission and work benefits the community. Salaries average $10-$12/hour. The qualifying employer pays 25% of the hourly wage, with the work study award (federal government), paying the remaining 75% of the hourly wage.

Student Eligibility at the Heinz School

  • Must be enrolled as a full-time student at the Heinz School
  • Must have a federal work study award.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or federal-aid-eligible non-citizen.
  • Must submit the FAFSA and Heinz School Financial Aid Application and must have financial need to meet the application requirements.
  • Federal guidelines state: “Work performed must improve the quality of life for community residents, particularly low income individuals, or solve particular problems related to their needs.” These are generally nonprofit organizations or public agencies.
  • Work hours eligibility:
    • Generally 8-12 hours/week, while enrolled full-time during the academic year.
    • Maximum of 40 hours/week during the summer period of non-enrollment, if enrolled full-time prior to summer employment and enrolled full-time following summer employment. Only if granted a summer work study award.

Where to find FCSWS internships

  • Attend the annual Public Service Fair in September
  • Visit Heinz Career Services in Hamburg Hall, room A002
  • Approach local non-profits and public agencies about internship opportunities

Steps in the Approval Process

1. Complete the following forms:

2. After meeting eligibility requirements and upon receiving a job offer from a nonprofit or public sector employer, ask the employer to complete and sign the FCSWS Approval Form. Submit to Julie Glaser in HbH 1118 A.

3. Once the approval form is received and reviewed, the Carnegie Mellon Director of Student Employment will contact the employer to ensure the job meets federal guidelines. Once approved, the employer will sign a contract which enables Carnegie Mellon to bill them for 25% of the student salary.

4. Fill out the first section of the Student Information Form from the Office of Fiscal Management, HBH 1107 and turn in to Mary Lou Brososky, HbH 1118 A, Financial Aid. She will complete the “Hiring Supervisor” section and will hold the form until the position is approved, and then will submit it for processing.

5. Complete the required forms at Payroll Services (4516 Henry Street, UTDC building) and return a copy of I-9 to Heinz Fiscal Management , HbH 1107

6. After a two to three week process, you will be notified via email that your position has been approved. Once your position has been approved, you may begin working

7. You will be paid on a biweekly basis after completing and submitting a time card every two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start to work before the position has been approved?
No, you can only work after your position has been approved. It generally takes 2-3 weeks for positions to be approved.

Can I accept an additional stipend from my employer that is unrelated to my FCSWS compensation?
No, you cannot receive any additional compensation while you are receiving FCSWS.

Will I be compensated if I exceed the FCSWS maximum hours?
Your employer is responsible for paying 100% of your salary should you exceed the work study award/allotted hours (average 150 hours per semester).

Can I accept a work-study on-campus job and a FCSWS job off-campus?
No, it will impact your financial aid award.

Can I register for direct deposit?
Yes. Just fill out a direct deposit form at Payroll Services. Remember to pick up your first paycheck (even direct deposit) at Cash Operations (Warner Hall basement, room A11).

If I already have had a FCSWS position in the past, do I need to repeat the same process for my new position?
Yes, you must repeat the process between yourself and your employer, but you do not have to fill out paperwork at Payroll Services. For each FCSWS position, you must fulfill the following:

  • Must have a work study award
  • FCSWS Approval Form (complete, sign, and submit by supervisor)
  • Student Information Form (complete and submit by student)

How do I notify my employer about FCSWS?
Refer the employer to Julie Glaser, and she can explain the process to the employer.