Federal Work Study
What is Federal Work Study?
Federal Work Study is a COS-Financial Aid Program offering government subsidized employment to students, on campus and off campus. Federal Work Study provides the part-time, temporary employment of students who need additional income to help pay for their cost of education. The program encourages recipients to participate in community service activities. Federal Work Study recognizes, encourages, and promotes comprehensive work-learning programs. It is a valuable educational approach when used as an integral part of the school's educational program and as a part of a financial plan that decreases reliance on grants and loans.
Financial Aid Link
Highlights of Program
Seventy-five percent (75%) wage contribution by COS to non-profit organizations partnering with the college. Non-profit organizations contribute twenty-five percent (25%) towards administration of the program and student wages in the upcoming year's budget.
Payroll functions handled entirely by COS. Students gain valuable work experience.
Students can work up to 19 hours per week during winter, spring and summer breaks.
How Many Students Participate?
Approximately 170 students are placed in Federal WS each year. The majority of placements occur during the months of July, August, September, October and January.
How Do Students Become Eligible?
Eligibility for the Federal Work Study program is determined by the COS-Financial Aid Office. The following steps must be met in order for the COS-Financial Aid Office to consider students for Federal Work Study:
1. Submission of a FAFSA-Federal Application for Federal Student Aid.
2. Indication of "yes" in the box on the FAFSA confirming interest in the program: "Interested in student employment".
3. Make certain the COS-Financial Aid Office has correct mailing address listed, and that additional information, requested by COS, has been returned in a timely manner.
If the above conditions have been met, students must then simply wait until an invitation letter arrives in the mail. Students are sent invitation letters based on a first-come, first-serve policy. Students who apply for financial aid prior to the March 2nd "priority deadline" will have preference over students who submitted their FAFSA's at a later date. Not all students are sent a letter. Approximately 1,000 FWS Invitation Letters are mailed during the year. After receiving an invitation letter, students should contact the On-Campus Student Employment/Work Study Office and make an appointment with the Work Study Specialist for interviewing. The Work Study Specialist will refer students to a second interview with interested supervisors for placement.
Steps for Non-Profit Agencies to Participate
Any agency interested in partnering with COS to offer a healthy working environment and valuable work experience for students within the community should call Dianna Fauvor, Work Study Specialist, at (559) 730-3856.
1. A Job Description form and Needs Assessment form will be sent to interested agency for completion
2. Once completed, forms should be faxed to: 730-3989 along with a copy of agency's 501 (c) 3 tax form verifying non-profit status.
3. A Federal College Work Study (FCWS) Agreement will then be mailed to agency for endorsement.
4. Upon completion, the FCWS Agreement should be returned to:
College of the Sequoias
915 S. Mooney Blvd.
Visalia, CA. 93277
Attn: On-Campus Student Employment/Work Study
5. Upon receiving a signed FCWS Agreement, COS will start the job placement process by calling the supervisor designated on the Job Description form. Students will then be referred to designated supervisor for interviewing and placement.
Non-Profit Agencies Participating with C. O. S. Federal Work Study
City of Visalia
Proteus, Inc.
Tulare City Schools
Woodlake Union High School
Woodlake Police Department
For more information, please contact:
Dianna Fauvor - Work Study Specialist
College of the Sequoias
915 S. Mooney Blvd.
Visalia, CA. 93277
Phone: (559) 730-3856
Fax: (559) 730-3730
Email: diannaf@cos.edu
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:45 am to 4:30 pm
Summer Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 7:30 am to 4:45 pm and Fri 7:30 am to 11:15 am