College Students that have a need for money, employment and professional working experience while pursuing their college career have an opportunity through the Work Study program at Southeast Community College.
In an email interview with Brock Zautke, the Financial Aid Technician at Southeast Community College, located at 8800 O Street in Lincoln, Zautke described the Work Study program as a program that “Assists students with part time employment opportunities on campus to help defer the cost of obtaining a college degree.”
However, students’ eligibility for the Work Study program is not automatic. Students that are interested in the Work Study program according to Zautke, “first need to complete the FAFSA application to determine eligibility.”
Zautke added that, “If the student has work study eligibility then they would complete an employment application through their campus Financial Aid office and submit the application to the office with the available position.”
Ashley Rowden, an academic transfer student at SCC in Lincoln pursuing Business administration with insurance finance focus described three positives of being en- rolled in the Work Study program. “Three positives are specific job skill knowledge, hands on experience and schedule flexibility,” she said.
Rowden added that the registration Work Study program that she was employed by led to “more knowledge about the school” and allowed her opportunity “to interact with students.”
Rowden concluded by saying “I would recommend students to apply for any Work Study position that would fit them.”
Zautke revealed that “a majority of the jobs are located on campus but there are opportunities for students to work in the community with the Work Study program. Student are currently working for EducationQuest Foundation, Boy and Girls Club of Lincoln and Lincoln Public Schools.”
Eligible Work Study students will not be limited to employment choices with
the Work Study program. Zautke emphasizes there are employment opportunities on and off campus “There is a variety of positions available on all three campuses. Work Study students represent the college as Student Ambassadors in the Admissions Office giving tours to perspective students and parents. Financial Aid Office has Work Study students that assist with various duties; maintenance department offers a number of jobs and numerous other opportunities on campus assisting with program of study specific duties.”
Castin Meyer is an academic transfer student at SCC in Lincoln starting the Surgical Technology program this spring. Meyer is currently a Student Ambassador for the Admissions Office at SCC.
Meyer says she would “definitely recommend eligible students to apply for the Work Study positions.”
Meyer elaborated her recommendation by stating, “As a Work Study student, I re- ally enjoy how flexible the work schedule is around my classes. In addition to the flexibility, the job itself is great work experience for a future career and looks awesome on a resume.
“For me, the best part of Work Study is the daily interaction with SCC’s staff. The relationships I have developed with the staff not only have made me more comfort- able asking for help when I need it, but also more confident with my decision to come to SCC.”
Meyer also noted “the pay is generous and fair for the amount of work that I do.”
According to Zautke “Work study students are paid on the 15th of every month. Students have the option to receive a check mailed to them or can set up direct deposit into a savings or checking account. Stu- dents can use wages to cover additional expenses including room and board, transportation costs or purchasing a computer or tablet.”
Interested students are encouraged to stop into the Financial Aid office for further information and an application.