Employment Type: Federal Work Study
Hourly Rate: $13.50
Department: Community Engagement & Volunteer Center

Is the CEVC Federal Work Study team right for you?

• Have you been awarded Federal Work Study as part of your Financial Aid package?
• Do you enjoy engaging with the local community?
• Do you enjoy working with elementary-aged children? Are you interested in contributing to the success of children while enhancing your educational experience through community service?
• Can you commit to working a regular schedule for at least one semester?
• Will you attend a pre-service orientation session and monthly meetings?
• Can you maintain regular communication with agency supervisor or teachers at the school?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, then the program is right for you!

What will you do?

Although each position in the FWS program is unique, all students participating in this program will be connected with a local nonprofit or public school based on the compatibility of the student’s skills, interests, availability, and transportation options (i.e., walking, personal vehicle, bike, and/or bus) with the goals and needs of the community organization. 

Mentors with the schools provide tutorial support in reading comprehension and academic enrichment for children in local elementary schools. Each mentor is supervised by a teacher at the local school who has expertise in literacy and language development. 

After receiving a position within the Community-Engaged FWS program, students must complete all new hire paperwork, participate in an on-campus program orientation, and receive final approval by CEVC and Student Employment before contacting their on-site supervisor. 

After meeting with the on-site supervisor and determining a mutually agreed upon weekly work schedule, the student will be expected to:

• Maintain a regular work schedule averaging 6 to 10 hours each week;
• Document and submit hours worked on the timesheet provided twice a month (following the due dates established on Canvas);
• Participate in bi-weekly workshops with fellow students in this program; and 
• Communicate regularly with site-supervisor and program coordinator.

How will you be chosen?

Selection will be based upon:

• Eligibility to earn a Federal Work-Study award. Students must submit an electronic copy of their financial aid offer stating eligibility for FWS with their application;
• Completion of an application on Joblink; 
• Satisfactory completion of an interview with CEVC staff; and
• Compatibility of skills, interests, availability, and transportation options (i.e., walking, personal vehicle, bike, and/or bus) with current openings.

Students participating in this program will be connected with a local nonprofit or public school based on the compatibility of the student’s skills, interests, availability, and transportation options (i.e., walking, personal vehicle, bike, and/or bus) with the goals and needs of the community organization. For mentors working in the schools, we recognize different schools will prioritize different schedules, but the school day operates from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and several county schools have after-school programs that operate until 6:00 p.m.

Where are the non-profit agencies and schools?

Currently, we have partnerships with organizations in Harrisonburg, Staunton, Rockingham County, Shenandoah County, and Augusta County and with schools in Rockingham County and Harrisonburg City.

How much time will be required?

Students determine how much they would like to work based upon their award amount and class schedule. Given that organizations rely on the consistency of their team, students will need to maintain their regular schedule each week. In general, students should plan to devote approximately 6 to 10 hours per week while JMU classes are in session. Occassionally over Winter Break, there is an opportunity to work upwards of 20-30 hours per week, pending projects and award eligibility.

How will you be paid?

Community-Engaged FWS students are paid per hour for the time worked. This will include all orientation and training sessions, bi-weekly workshops, and on-site/in-school hours. Students are paid twice a month based on the hours submitted on the time sheet two weeks prior to the payday.