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Federal Work-Study Orientation

Welcome to the Online Federal Work-Study Orientation. This short program has been designed to help you understand how the work-study program works and answer all of your questions about the program before you go in search of a work-study position. Please note that once you have completed the orientation you may begin contacting supervisors for interviews, but you cannot obtain an Employment Authorization Form and begin working before the first day of the term, Monday January 9th, 2012.

At the end of the orientation you will be asked to print out documents that you are required to complete and return to any PCC financial aid office. Once we receive these documents, you will be given a Work-Study Employment Authorization form and can complete the hiring paperwork for a work-study job.

Federal Work-Study Basics

The Federal Work-Study program was created to give students the opportunity to earn money while in school. These earnings can be used pay for educational expenses such as tuition and fees, or to assist with rent, food, books and personal expenses. Work-study is a job-you will not get paid to study. The term work-study refers to the experience of working while completing your education.

The Work-Study program is a good opportunity to learn new skills and gain experience in a position related to your personal interests and/or course of study. Think of your work-study position as a skill and resume building activity. A work-study job will allow you to make valuable connections within the Portland Community College community and Portland metro community.