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
  • 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 instructions on accepting your FWS Award Offer.
  • Step 3: Complete FWS Student Orientation
    • Complete FWS Student Orientation and sign Acknowledgment Form
      • After signing orientation you will receive an email from Adobe Sign.  To complete the process, you need to confirm your email address.  If you skip this final step you will be unable to move forward in the hiring process.
  • Step 4: Search for a job
    • Handshake is Mt. SAC’s official job/internship portal.  Handshake is where you will find and apply to FWS jobs.
    • How to activate your Handshake account
    • For additional assistance on Handshake visit the Mt. SAC Career Center.
  • 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
    • If you are a permanent resident, we also need your green card

    
    Complete your onboarding hiring forms:

    • I-9 Form
    • DE-4 Form
    • W-4 Form
    • Direct Deposit Authorization (optional)

     

    Check your student email for a message from Adobe Sign:

    • E-sign your FWS contract (available within 5-7 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).
• 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

Additional FWS Resources

• Student Guide: Accepting Your FWS Award Offer
• FWS Hiring Flow Chart
• Breaks and Lunches Guidelines
• Timesheet Due Dates