Federal Work-Study

A Job and Internship Platform for Students

Start your job or internship hunt at Handshake – a modern, easy-to-use platform where students and alumni can find full-time and part-time internships and jobs, as well as volunteer opportunities.

On Handshake, you can schedule advising appointments, connect with employers, register for events, and more! Log in to your Handshake using your Los Rios student ID and password.

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What is Federal Work-Study?

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program provides jobs to students to help them pay for their educational expenses.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must:

• Have a complete financial aid file
• Have unmet financial need
• Be enrolled in at least six financial aid course eligible units at American River College*
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress

*If you are enrolled at multiple Los Rios colleges, then you must have an approved consortium on file for those units to be counted towards your enrollment status.

You are not guaranteed a FWS job just because you are eligible for FWS. FWS jobs are limited, so make sure you apply for a FWS job as early as possible.

Hours

FWS students work an average of 17 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. Students may be employed for no more than 26 hours per week during a semester and no more than 40 hours per week between semesters. The number of hours may change depending on the needs of the department. Summer FWS hours are based on funding availability.

You may not work more than the number of hours you were awarded.

Pay

FWS students are paid an hourly rate at minimum wage. On average, FWS students earn up to $7,000 during the school year. Paychecks are distributed on the tenth of each month.

Disclaimer

We reserve the right to reduce your FWS award at the end of the fall or spring semester for hours not worked or due to ineligibility. Your FWS award may also be reduced if your financial need changes. You will be notified of any change via email and it is your responsibility to notify your supervisor of the change.