Federal Work-Study Program

The FWSP provides Calvin students with financial need the opportunity to earn money while working at a local nonprofit.

Overview

The Federal Work-Study Program provides opportunities for students to earn money for day-to-day expenses while they pursue their studies.
Students participating in the F.W.S.P can work on campus or find off-campus positions at public agencies, nonprofit organizations and businesses.
Because work-study jobs are designed for students, they typically offer flexibility to fit your class schedule.
Both graduate and undergraduate students can qualify for the FWSP Program, whether they’re enrolled full time or part time.
All FWSP jobs are part time. Pay rates vary but must be at least minimum wage.

What are the benefits of participating in the Off-Campus Federal Work Study program?

The Off-Campus Federal Work Study program offers benefits to both eligible students and employers.

Students

Impact the communities surrounding Calvin through their work experience at local non-profit organizations or government agencies
Experience opportunities for networking and developing connections in their professional community
Connect their academic pursuits to their professional setting

Employers

Add motivated students to staff prepared to make original contributions to organization.
Collect reimbursement for 75% of FWS students’ earnings.
Increase exposure of organization to prospective full-time employees

To be eligible to participate in the Federal Work-Study Program at Calvin University, an off-campus organization must comply with the following:

The employer must either be a non-profit, federal, or state organization.
The employer must submit an employer agreement signed by an authorized organization representative. This agreement is not valid until signed by all parties.
The employer must submit a job description for each position, which must be updated at least once each fiscal year. More than one student may be employed under one job description.
Wages must be at or above the minimum wage and based on the type of work and qualifications required for the position.

Paying Student Employees

Calvin University authorized federal work study students will have their bi-weekly payroll processed by Calvin University utilizing federal funding. The Federal Work study program pays 75% of the student wage using the federal work-study grant.

The employer is responsible for paying 25% of the student’s wages.

Employers who want to be considered for this program can email the employer manager at vanessa.alvarez@calvin.edu. After we receive the required documents, we will start promoting the opportunities to our students.

To qualify for a federal work study job, you must:

Have a demonstrated financial need as a result of filing the FAFSA.
Submit all financial aid requirements in order for a determination to be made regarding eligibility.
Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Be eligible for Title IV (Federal) Aid funding to qualify for Federal Work study.
Be a current student.

Students must meet with Vanessa Alvarez prior to beginning employment and should not begin working off-campus until Vanessa has confirmed that they are officially hired into our HR system.

Current Opportunities

Employer	Job Opportunities
Young Life	Communication Associate
ICCF	Accounts Payables
Artist Creating Together	Art Programs Intern; Community Programs & Events Intern; Development & Event Planning Intern; Nonprofit Administrative Intern
Roosevelt Park Ministries	Administrative Support
Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan	Case Management & Donor Development Support
Kids’ Food Basket	Education Assistant
Grand Rapids Community Foundation	Administrative Assistant
Positive Life Impact	Marketing Intern; Tutor
Youth for Christ	Program Assistant
Safe Haven	Receptionist
Boys and Girls Club	Youth Development Professional
Salvation Army	Kroc Attendant; Child Development Attendant