The work study program at Southeast Community College is the Federal Work-Study Program. The program is meant to provide funds to college students who need financial aid and have to work around busy class schedules. I sat down with Brock Zautke, financial aid technician at SCC and head of the work study program for over a year to find out more about the program.
The work study program is, essentially, a financial aid program. In order to be eligible, a student must complete the FAFSA form online by the deadline for the academic year. The amount of financial aid available through work study is based off of financial need, determined by the FAFSA.
Students participating in the program get paid $8 an hour. Work study jobs are FICA exempt. While other jobs around Lincoln might pay more, the major benefit of work study is that a student’s work schedule will be shaped around his or her class schedule.
As Zautke said, “School is always the priority with the (SCC) work study program.”
“The major benefits of the work study program,” Zautke said, “are the flexibility, the wide variety of jobs and the skills students will learn while working in the program. For many of them, their work study jobs will be the first real job they have.”
Students gain valuable life skills while participating in work study, such as better communication, accountability and various skills learned on the job.
The jobs available through work study are numerous and varied. Some popular examples are student ambassadors, office and administrative assistants, classroom lab assistants and custodial work.
Zautke said that positions are available in most of the programs at SCC. This gives students an opportunity to gain firsthand experience in their fields. Positions are also available with non-profit organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club and Lincoln Public Schools after school programs.
Students who are interested in applying for work study need to complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Once the FAFSA results are in students can find out if they are eligible and get applications for work study at the Financial Aid department on campus.
Any students who are curious about available positions can visit www.placement.southeast.edu.
Zautke is also available to answer any questions. He can be emailed at at [email protected].