Advantages of Federal Work Study

The Federal Work Study (FWS) program is a part-time employment program designed to help students meet the costs of attendance. With FWS you:

• keep your educational loan borrowing to a minimum,
• gain valuable work experience and skills in your field of study, and
• maintain a flexible work schedule

Terms of FWS Employment

The FWS award amount is based on your award eligibility, position in which you are hired for, and Gateway Technical College's FWS allocation. Actual earnings are based on the number of hours you work.

• You may work a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session with supervisor approval.
• You are responsible for monitoring your earnings so that you do not earn more than your FWS award for the certification period.
• The hourly rate for all FWS positions is $12.00/hour

Academic Year/Certification Period

The academic year period begins July 1 of the award year, beginning with the Summer term, and ending on the last day of the Spring term.

Start Working:

• when you have been hired by a supervisor in a FWS position and have submitted all required employment documents.

Stop Working:

• when you reach your earnings limit,
• when you have received notification from your supervisor to cease working, or
• during any interim period including winter or spring break, or
• on the last day of classes for the Spring term, or
• if you are graduating and will not continue to receive financial aid in future terms.

Unused FWS Earnings

• Unused Summer or Fall term amounts can be earned during the Spring semester.
• Unused academic year amounts cannot be earned after the year has ended

Adding or Declining FWS Award

You have the option to decline FWS awards on WebAdvisor. Contact financialaidoffice@gtc.edu to find out if you are eligible for a FWS award.

Tax Regulations Regarding FWS

All FWS earnings are taxable income and must be reported to the IRS if you are required to file a tax return.

FWS Student Employment Manual

Please see the FWS Employment Manual for further information regarding the FWS program.