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
      • Required for all students for each year they would like to participate in the FWS program.
  • Step 4: Apply for FWS jobs on Handshake
    • Log into Handshake (click on SSO Login).
    • If you found a job you are interested in, follow the instructions on the job posting.
    • Download, complete, and submit the FWS Employment Application to each job you apply for.
    • For additional assistance on Handshake, contact the Career Center.
      • 9B, Second Floor
      • careercenter@mtsac.edu
      • (909) 274-4510
  • Step 5: 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 FWS hiring process:

    • Turn in your original, unexpired IDs to the Financial Aid front counter:
      • Government issued picture ID (i.e. driver's license, California ID, US passport, etc)
      • Social security card
      • If you are a permanent resident, we also need your green card
    • Check your Etrieve account (same user and password as your other Mt. SAC accounts) and complete these onboarding hiring documents:
      • I-9 Form (use your personal email on this form)
      • DE-4 Form
      • W-4 Form
      • Direct Deposit Authorization (optional, complete this 1-2 weeks AFTER you start working)
    • Then monitor your student email or your Etrieve account to:
      • E-sign your FWS contract. This form will be available within 10 business days after all of the above steps have been completed.

    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
• Student Guide: Web Time Entry