Community Based Federal Work Study
What is CBFWS?
Instead of working on-campus through traditional federal work-study, community-based federal work-study is a program that gives eligible students at Penn State the opportunity to receive financial support while working off-campus. Students can work a maximum of 20 hours a week for $14.00 an hour, and can typically earn up to $3,500 per academic year. The program offers a variety of positions, including internships, at the various community partner sites of Penn State Brandywine, which include schools, non-profit organizations, and public service agencies.
View our Federal Work Study information guide to learn more.
Two Types of CBFWS
- Community Service Federal Work Study. Offers students the opportunity to give back to the community, gain work experience, and earn federal financial aid by working at a participating non-profit organization in the communities surrounding Penn State campuses.
- Nittany Lions Read. A mentoring program designed to enhance early reading, math and science skills of children from surrounding communities. Engage directly with children by providing one-on-one or small-group instruction for children through eighth grade in qualifying community sites.
Why should I do it?
In this program, students make $14.00/hr while working for a community partner of their specific interest. It provides an experience similar to an internship, but potentially even better. Often times, community-based work study jobs last longer that the average internship, giving you the ability to create quality relationships and acquire multiple years of experience in the field. This is a great way to learn about responsibility and leadership, which always looks great on a resume.
How can I do it?
If you are interested in community-based work study, you should act as soon as possible. The process of approval usually takes 1-2 months. Students must first ensure they have a completed FAFSA form. Next, the student should make an appointment with the Director of the Center for Social Impact, Vippy Yee, in order to review federal work study information and the overall application process. If it’s determined that the student is eligible for the program, an interview is conducted and the student is considered for the specific position.
How can my organization join?
Non-profit organizations, schools, or public service agencies are able to join this program. After you contact Center Director, Vippy Yee, you will need to fill out a short Organization Application for Participation, which requires you to provide basic information and a job description for your available positions. We will then advertise your position to students, and if any students are interested, we will refer them to you for an interview. Upon hire, they may work up to 20 hours a week and will be payed through the university.
What jobs are available right now?
Visit our current work-study opportunities page to see an updated list of available positions.
Our Current Community Partners
- America’s First Fair Trade Town Committee
- Catholic Social Services
- Chester Children’s Chorus
- Chester County Department of Aging Services
- Chester Education Foundation
- Chester Housing Authority
- Child Guidance Resource Centers
- City Team
- Delaware County Pregnancy Center
- Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County, Inc.
- Garrett Williamson
- Helen Kate Furness Free Library
- Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation
- Let’s Get Ready
- Media Food Bank
- Middletown Free Library
- Providence Animal Center
- Rose Valley Borough Council
- Ridley Creek State Park
- Ruth Bennett Community Farm
- Surrey Services for Seniors – Media
- TM Thomas Learning Center
- Tyler Arboretum
- Untours Foundation
*Contact us if interested in working at any of these sites. There may be available positions that are not yet listed, or positions available in the near future.
If you are interested in joining this program, or looking for more information, please contact us.
Follow our social media accounts for updates and opportunities within community based federal work study!
