Alx George
The Commuter
What you probably didn't know about work study: it's flexible, it's a great work experience and applying is easy as one two three. Beverly Gering, director of Financial Aid and Veteren's Affairs (at LBCC), took a break from the books to explain the mystery of how work study works.
To cut it down to size, work study is a program available to students who apply via their FAFA. All you have to do is check the box indicating that you're interested in doing work study. After that, the FAFSA will indicate to financial aid whether or not you would qualify for the program. Gering strongly encourages all students to "fill out their FAFSA early (asap)".
Once you've applied and then (hopefully) been accepted, you need to do a few more easy steps (listed in the How to Completely Apply box) before you can actually start working. Once those are completed and you're situated in your new job, you're all set to go for a term (or several). So where does the flexiblity come in? As you may have seen (in the box) you get to set up when you work and for how long (term wise). Gering explained that the managers (of wherever you work) are happy to work things out with you. After all, "school comes first".
Here's another thing Gering wants students to know about work study: "...it's a great learning experience". Considering you're working like you would at practically any other job, work study provides students with the opportunity to gain work experience and job skills that they will be able to take with them wherever they go. You will have to perform the duties required of your position as well as exercise skills of being on time (though you probably already do that for your classes), working on a team (with your coworkers)...skills like that which are very valuable.
There's work study in a nutshell: it's a great flexible program that provides a good learning experience and applying is much easier than you probably thought. With the click of a button, you could be on your way to having some of your financial and time management problems solved. Why not give it a shot?
How to Completely Apply:
- click interested box on FAFSA
- wait for an email notification from LBCC
- turn in required documents (W-4, etc)
- wait to be awarded (six to eight weeks)
- check out your award on your SIS account
- go to the Career Center and pick a place to work
- set up your schedule with your manager
- get to work!
- FAFSA: www.FAFSA.ed.gov
- LBCC: www.linnbenton.edu
- LBCC Financial Aid: www.linnbenton.edu/go/financial-aid
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