Information for Federal Work Study (FWS) Employers

Mt. SAC offers a variety of opportunities for part-time student employment. On-campus employment provides a practical way for students to earn money, gain valuable work experience, and learn valuable time management skills.  Students are hired as student workers and can choose from a variety of locations throughout the campus, from working in the library, campus safety, academic department offices, and student services programs to name a few.  Eligible employers/supervisors include permanent Mt. SAC staff and Faculty.  Non-eligible supervisors are nonpermanent staff, adjunct faculty and any third-party vendors or outside employers. NOTE: The College’s Bookstore, Sodexo, etc. are considered auxiliary organizations and are non-eligible.

• • What is Federal Work Study (FWS)?
    The Federal Work Study (FWS) program provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money while pursuing their education. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student's course of study. Since FWS is federally funded, students must meet eligibility criteria.  Please note, FWS cannot replace a classified position. 
  • Why should I hire a FWS student?
    • It’s free! Hiring FWS students does not cost your department anything.
    • Ability to mentor our future workforce.
    • Provide students access to on-campus jobs.
    • Provide students valuable work experience.
  • How does a student become eligible for FWS?
    To qualify for FWS, students must:

    • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
    • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
    • Enroll and stay enrolled in a minimum of 6 units for Fall and Spring terms.
    • Show enough unmet need.
    • Be in good financial aid standing.
    • Have been awarded a Federal Pell Grant.
  • How does the FWS cycle work?

    FWS follows the academic year.  It starts every fall term and ends on June 30^th.   There is no FWS in July.

    The Financial Aid Department will mass award all eligible students between late July to early August.  Eligible students will receive an email and a message in their student portal that they have been awarded. There is limited funding and FWS will be offered on a first-come first-served basis.  Students must accept their award in their student portal. Any unclaimed FWS will be cancelled.

    Students who meet our awarding parameters will automatically be awarded.  Students who were not awarded by August can inquire with the Financial Aid Department if further information is needed. 

    Students who had a FWS job in a prior year do not automatically qualify again.  Students must complete all steps to get FWS each year.

  • Where do I start if I am interested in hiring a FWS student?

    All Mt. SAC supervisors who wish to hire a FWS student must complete orientation yearly (orientation is also highly recommended for all department managers/deans).  Your job posting will not be approved until our office has confirmed that you have completed orientation.

    Then post your FWS jobs on Handshake.

    • Handshake (new users)
    • Handshake (current users)

    Questions about Handshake? Contact the Career Center for assistance.

Resources for FWS Employers/Supervisors

• Employer Guide to Hiring a FWS Student
• FWS Hiring Form
• FWS Hiring Process Flow Chart
• Meal Period Guidelines
• Student Assistant Pay Schedule
• FWS Information for Students
• Timesheet Due Dates
• Employer Guide: Web Time Entry