The Ivy Tech Federal Work Study [FWS] Program provides part-time employment opportunities for students who demonstrate financial need. The FWS Program gives students the chance to earn money to help pay for education-related expenses. The primary purpose of the FWS Program is to provide eligible students with flexible work opportunities that may complement their career aspirations.

FWS employment is really just like any part-time job. Students must apply for vacant positions. Students earn real money, and are paid by check every two weeks. Students must show up to work on time and perform assigned duties, and are subject to termination. Students CANNOT study while they work - that is not what "work-study" means. One of the only things that is different about an FWS position from any other part-time job is that FWS wages are subsidized by federal student aid.

All Ivy Tech-Lafayette FWS employees earn at least the minimum wage per hour, and are paid on a bi-weekly basis. Students are not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week, and may be required to work less hours depending on their eligibility as determined by the Financial Aid Office and the employing office/department.

To qualify for the FWS Program, students must first file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid [FAFSA] and demonstrate "financial need" as calculated by the Financial Aid Office. Students DO NOT have to be eligible for the Pell Grant to demonstrate financial need.

Vacant FWS positions are posted on the Career Services' jobs bulletin board in Ivy Hall near the Financial Aid Office [Room 1144]. To apply for a particular FWS position, you need to inquire at the Career Service Office, room 1145. The decision on hiring and setting work hours will be determined by the hiring supervisor. Once a student has been selected to be hired for a vacant position they must submit a variety of documents and forms to the Financial Aid Office before beginning employment.

Most FWS positions are based at one of two Ivy Tech-Lafayette sites, either at the Ivy Hall or Ross Road location. Students may also be employed in non-profit community service agencies, such as the Lafayette Transition Housing, Lafayette Reading Academy, or the Community and Family Resource Center.

If you have any questions, call or stop by the Financial Aid Office.
Office Hours
Monday 8am - 6pm; Tuesday - Friday, 8am - 5pm
[765] 269-5616 or toll-free in Indiana [800] 669-4882 ext. 5616