Loyola University Chicago

Through its "Experience More" Community-Based Federal Work-Study program, Loyola University Chicago has established relationships with several community service organizations which provide experiential learning opportunities for students as part of the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program.  Students gain valuable experience working at community service sites while earning money for their education.

• Applying for a Community-Based FWS Position
• Community-Based FWS Funding for Graduate Students
• Information for Potential Community-Based FWS Sites
• List of current Community-Based FWS Sites (Take ACTION!)

Applying for a Community-Based FWS Position

If students are awarded Federal Work-Study in their financial aid package, they have the option of working on campus or working off campus at a community-based service organization. Students may follow the procedure below to work at community-based service sites.  Please contact the Director of the Center for Experiential Learning if you have any questions about this procedure.

1. Once you have been notified that you have Federal Work-Study in your financial aid package from the Office of Financial Student Assistance, you may apply for a position at one of the community service sites.  A list of community service sites and their descriptions are available in our Take ACTION! Community Partner Resource Guide.
2. Students are highly encouraged to search for available Federal Work-Study positions through eRecruiting, Loyola's online job posting system.  Click here to access eRecruiting through CEL's website and download specialized search tips for Community-Based FWS positions.
3. You must apply for FWS positions by following instructions (sending resume, contacting them for an interview), and you are responsible for obtaining an available FWS position at the site that is the best fit for you, your schedule, and your award amount.
4. Before establishing an interview, go to the HUB in the Sullivan Center and fill out the top part of the Federal Work Study Community Service Authorization Form (PDF) in preparation to bring it to the employing community service organization.
5. Once you are hired by the community service site, you must have the community service site supervisor complete the form begun in step 4.
6. Once the form has been completed, return it to the HUB in the Sullivan Center to complete the FWS hiring process.
7. You will need to remain in contact with the staff of the Center for Experiential Learning throughout the year for mid-semester and end-of-semester evaluations. The staff of the Center for Experiential Learning will be coordinating with community service sites to conduct site visits and to ensure the quality work experiences at service sites for Loyola students.

Community-Based FWS Funding for Graduate Students

Graduate students who are interested in applying for Federal Work Study funding for community-based positions may apply by following this process:

1. Once you have been notified that you have Federal Work-Study in your financial aid package from the Office of Financial Student Assistance, you may apply for a position at one of the community service sites.  A list of community service sites and their descriptions are available in our Take ACTION! Community Partner Resource Guide.
2. Graduate Students are highly encouraged to search for available Federal Work-Study positions through eRecruiting, Loyola's online job posting system.  Click here to access eRecruiting through CEL's website and download specialized search tips for Community-Based FWS positions.
3. You must apply for FWS positions by following instructions (sending resume, contacting them for an interview), and you are responsible for obtaining an available FWS position at the site that is the best fit for you, your schedule, and your award amount.
4. Before establishing an interview, go to the HUB in the Sullivan Center and fill out the top part of the FWS form in preparation to bring it to the employing community service organization.
5. You must consult with a Financial Aid advisor in the Office of Student Financial Aid to appeal for Federal Work Study funding.
6. Once you are hired by the community service site, you must complete the Federal Work Study Community Service Authorization Form (PDF) and have the community service site supervisor complete it.
7. Once the form has been completed, return it to the HUB in the Sullivan Center to complete the FWS hiring process.
8. You will need to remain in contact with the staff of the Center for Experiential Learning throughout the year for mid-semester and end-of-semester evaluations. The staff of the Center for Experiential Learning will be coordinating with community service sites to conduct site visits and to ensure the quality work experiences at service sites for Loyola students.

Information for Potential Community-Based FWS Sites

Loyola generally expects that FWS Community Service positions will pay between $8-$10/hour; students' total hours per week will vary depending on agency need and student award amounts.  Per Federal regulations, FWS monies fund 75% of student workers' salaries at community-based service sites; the agency must fund the other 25% of student workers' salaries. 

Loyola pays Community Service FWS students on a reimbursement basis, i.e. community service sites must pay 100% of FWS student workers' salary and submit proof of payment to Loyola before being reimbursed 75% of that total out of Loyola-administered FWS monies.

Agencies interested in contracting with Loyola as community-based FWS sites should inquire with CEL staff about becoming a new community partner.