Seven percent of the Federal Work Study Program monies are allocated to community service positions. Community service involves services, which are identified by an institution of higher education, which are designed to improve the quality of life for community residents, particularly low income individuals, or to solve particular problems related to their needs.

Community service work study offers an alternative to traditional on-campus employment by creating jobs in the community where students have the opportunity to earn wages while helping a nonprofit organization. These jobs allow students to come into direct contact with the people they are serving.

Some fields which qualify as community service include health care, child care, literacy training, education (including tutorial services), welfare, social services, transportation, housing and neighborhood improvement, public safety, crime prevention, recreation, rural development, and community improvement. An agency may qualify as a community service work site, but not all positions there would qualify. Emphasis is placed on direct service; therefore, a filing job at a food bank would not qualify.

Although a priority is placed on assisting low-income individuals, support for students with disabilities or efforts at crime prevention are also encouraged.

For more information on community service or a referral to a community service site, contact the Community Service Work Study Coordinator at 882-6801.