2021 Reports

Participation in Federal Work-Study

Community College Research Center

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program is one of the nation’s oldest federal policy tools intended to promote college access and persistence for low-income students. Since 1964, FWS has supported student employees who have applied for financial aid and have unmet need. These students work on campus for about 10 to 15 hours per week in roles ranging from clerical work at the library to research positions in a lab. In addition to providing financial assistance, the program may influence students’ academic and labor market outcomes by affecting their schedules, exposing them to new social and job networks, and offering relevant employment experience. But with well-designed, research-based reforms it could have a greater positive impact on students.