By Maggie Varner
Many students are unaware of the work-study opportunities available to them. But now, the University of Louisville is attempting to make this information more readily available.
“Paying for tuition would have been so much easier if I had applied for work-study,” said Danica Deckert, a sophomore justice administration major. She expressed her frustration that she did not make herself aware of this opportunity.
College tuition has been an ongoing issue for students for many years. However, the university tries to ease the struggle by providing many opportunities on campus for students to get scholarships, grants and work-studies. The work-study branch of the financial aid system has helped students for many years.
A federal work-study is an employment opportunity, funded by the federal government, on the university’s campus. In this program, students can work on campus at Ekstrom Library, the Disability Resource Center, the Community Service Learning Center and the Student Financial Aid Office.
Work-study wages start between $7 and $8 an hour. Contrary to the popular myth, work-study wages are given in paychecks, not through your student account.
“It is such a great opportunity for students, but many students don’t understand that they could be eligible,” said Deckert.
Alternatively, there is another opportunity to have work-study status, but also reach out into the community. The America Reads program is a federal work-study that branches out into the community. Instead of working in the library or other offices, a student could work off campus.
With this program, students go out in the city to tutor children at elementary and middle schools, where they teach subjects such as math, reading and English.
Students are given the opportunity to learn about the education system, and also about the immigrant and refugee population in the city of Louisville. This allows students to explore local issues, while helping school-aged children.
Kim Shaver, service learning coordinator in the Office of Engagement, Leadership and Service, expressed her passion for this program.
“This program is a way to combine community service with a federal work-study,” said Shaver. “It helps students explore possible career interests, while giving back to the community.”
Kristin Love, a sophomore elementary education major, discussed her experience with this program. She qualified for work-study and learned about this opportunity through her orientation for the School of Education and Human Development.
“This program benefited me, because it was convenient not having to go out and find a job,” said Love. “I got to simply pick from a list. With my jobs at Cabbage Patch and Cochran Elementary School, it has helped me grow as a person. Through this experience, it has been very rewarding, getting to see that I am making a difference in a child’s life.”
To apply for this specific program, after you have been approved for work-study, contact Kim Shaver at 852-4333 for more information.
On Nov. 3, 2009, the Student Government Association discussed a new way to help students afford college. Michael Rolf, a senior psychology major and vice president of academics for SGA, is taking steps to set up a Web site that compiles any possible scholarships, work-study and job opportunities, for students to utilize for their own financial and career needs.
“The purpose of this Web site is to give more opportunities and possibilities for academic affordability,” said Rolf. “This is one of SGA’s top five goals for this academic year. And we are hoping to have it up and running by the end of the spring 2010 semester.”
The first step, according to SGA, is to gather all university and specific department scholarships. Then all work-study and other on-campus jobs will be amassed, in partnership with the Career Development Center’s resources.
Once that is done, the Web site can branch beyond the university and include national scholarships, internships and post-graduation career opportunities.
Erica Henderson, a sophomore accounting major, expressed her excitement about this new Web site and feels it will better prepare her for the future.
“It will be nice to be able to look at a major I’m considering, and see all the scholarships and careers I could have with that degree program,” said Henderson. “I believe it would help make students more informed on scholarships and more prepared for after graduation.”
