Federal Work Study (FWS) Program

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.

Federal Work Study is awarded to qualified students through the Financial Aid Office. You will be notified, through your My Mt. SAC Portal, if you qualify for work-study after you complete your FAFSA.

How do I become a Federal Work Study student?

• • Step 1: Complete the FAFSA online
    Complete the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov.

    • Visit: fafsa.gov
    • School code: 001245
    • Answer yes to “Are you interested in being considered for work-study?”
  • Step 2: Get awarded FWS
    • Once your FAFSA is processed, check your student portal and complete any outstanding requirements.
    • If you have completed all outstanding requirements and have not yet been awarded FWS, contact the Financial Aid Office to inquire about your eligibility at (909)274-4450.
    • If you have been awarded FWS, make sure to accept your FWS award in your student portal.
      • Click here for step-by-step instructions.
  • Step 3: Complete FWS orientation
    Complete both of the following videos:

    • FWS Orientation Video (Part 1)
    • FWS Orientation Video (Part 2)

    For your convenience, PDFs of the above video are available below:

    • FWS Orientation Slides (Part 1)
    • FWS Orientation Slides (Part 2)
  • Step 4: Search for a job
    • Visit Mountie CareerSource (MCS) to look up FWS jobs.
      • View our how-to guides and videos on how to navigate MCS.
  • Step 5: Apply for a job
    • If you found a job you are interested in, follow the instructions on the job posting.
    • Visit the Career Center for resume help and interview tips.
    • Download, complete, and submit the FWS Employment Application  to each job posting.
  • Step 6: Get hired

    If your interview went well, your supervisor will fill out the FWS Hiring Form online.  This form is automatically submitted to the Financial Aid Office for processing.

    To complete the hiring process, bring to the Financial Aid Office your:

    • Valid government issued picture ID (unexpired)
    • Original social security card

    Then complete these onboarding forms online:

    • W-4 form
    • EDD withholding form
    • I-9 form
    • Direct deposit form (optional)

    Check your student email for a message from Adobe Sign:

    • E-sign your FWS contract (available within 2-3 business days)

    Once all required documents have been received and processed, you will receive an email that you are cleared to start your FWS job!

Federal Work Study Eligibility

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student aid (FAFSA) and check the "interested in work-study" box.
• 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

Federal Work Study Benefits

• Convenience
• Access to on-campus jobs
• Flexible schedule
• Gain valuable work experience
• Earn money
• Build your network and obtain potential references

How to Guides

• How to check if Federal Work Study (FWS) was awarded
• How to accept your FWS award
• How to access your FWS paystub
• How to find your W-2 (student employees only)
• How to access your time sheet
• How to search for a FWS job

Additional FWS Resources

• What is Federal Work-Study? (video)
• Benefits to Working as a Student (video)
• Good Things You Need to Know about Federal Work-Study (video)
• FWS Hiring Flow Chart
• Breaks and Lunches Guidelines
• Timesheet Due Dates