Federal Work Study

Federal Work-Study program provides part-time jobs for Cerritos College students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study.

Key Benefits

  • Flexible Work Schedule
  • Build Professional Skills
  • No Work Experience Required 

Earn while you Learn! how to Get started.

Federal Work-Study applications are now available on Jobspeaker. Register for an account today and view all current on and off campus positions. Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first serve.

raising hands with signs: Job, We are hiring, Vacancy, join us, welcome

How to apply

Step 1: Submit your FAFSA

Step 2:Check your To Do List and submit all required financial aid documents by April 30th. 

Step 3: Create Jobspeaker account and apply to current on campus FWS positions.  Please review Jobspeaker quick guide for students for more information on how to create an account.

Jobspeaker

For more information regarding employment opportunities, career readiness assistance, workshops and events visit Student Employment Resource.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federal financial aid program which allows you to earn money to help pay educational expenses and encourages community service work. Federal Work-Study gives students an opportunity to gain valuable work experience while focusing on their educational goals.

  • Students must have a completed financial aid file and demonstrate financial need
  • Students must enroll in at least 6 units (If on a Financial Aid Ed Plan, classes must be on the ed plan)
  • Students must be in good standing with Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
In order to apply for FWS, the Financial Aid Office requires that you have completed your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have submitted all documents required to complete your financial aid file. Submit the FWS application in Jobspeaker. This is a separate application from the FAFSA and submitting this application does not guarantee FWS employment. Continuing FWS students do not need to reapply. Money earned from this program is considered a financial aid award and reduces your unmet need.
Your FWS hourly rate varies depending on where you are placed and the duties that you will be performing. Your total FWS award depends on various factors: when you apply, financial need, and the funding level available for the program
Fingerprinting clearance is required for all positions.  We have both on and off campus positions.  The off campus positions are considered community service positions working at various sites in the Norwalk La Mirada School District.
No, the amount you earn cannot exceed your total FWS award. When assigning work hours, your site supervisor and FWS liaison will advise you on your hours. As a temporary employee, you are not allowed to work beyond 175 days per year or over 950 hours. Most employees work 10-12 hours per week. You must receive approval from the FWS liaison to work more than 10-12 hours per week.
You will be notified by email if you are eligible and asked to meet with the jobsite supervisor for an interview. If selected, you will also be asked to complete Human Resources requirements for temporary employment which includes fingerprinting and attend a mandatory orientation. Openings in the FWS program are limited. If you are not selected, you may be placed on the waiting list for the academic year. If you are not selected from the waiting list, you will need to reapply during the next application period.


Federal Work-Study (FWS) Employee Request - For On Campus Job Sites Only (Staff Only)

If your department is interested in posting job opportunity, submit job post in Jobspeaker.  Student Employment Specialist will review job post and notify you once it has been approved.  Please refer to Jobspeaker quick guide for on-campus employers to get started.

Note: Prior approval from the department dean/manger is needed before submitting job post on Jobspeaker.

 For further information please contact Lizette Gonzalez, Student Employment Specialist at student-employment@cerritos.edu or Anabelle Horton, Financial Aid Specialist at (562)860-2451 ext. 2394