The Federal Work Study (FWS) program provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses.
PCOM's administrative and academic departments offer a variety of job positions including office assistants, lab assistants, teaching assistants, peer tutors and more.
Depending on a student’s eligibility, the usual FWS award is $6,000 for the academic year.
Most positions pay $18 per hour.
Students will be paid biweekly via direct deposit. Students must swipe in and out of PCOM’s Kronos timekeeping stations in order to keep track of hours and be paid.
Students are responsible for managing their FWS hours and may not work in excess of their FWS award as part of their financial aid package. Working in excess of the FWS award could result in reduction of a student's federal student loans and/or PCOM scholarships.
To be eligible for FWS, a student must meet the following criteria:
Contact your respective financial aid office to inquire about your eligibility for FWS.
It is the student’s responsibility to seek out and apply for a FWS job by contacting supervisors/departments around campus. Visit the FWS Job Listing page on myPCOM to view potential job positions at PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia. Schedule a time to meet with the job's department supervisor to interview for the position and discuss responsibilities, tasks and a schedule.
After a student has been hired for a work study position, the student must complete the tax and employment paperwork listed below. Returning students who have worked a PCOM FWS position in the previous academic year do not need to complete the payroll paperwork again and may continue to Step 3.
PCOM Payroll Direct Deposit Form (PDF)
Confidentiality and Data Security Agreement (PDF)
Pennsylvania State Income Tax Withholding Form (PDF)
Georgia State Income Tax Withholding Form (PDF)
Print and complete all appropriate forms and then visit your respective financial aid office to review the documentation and present valid forms of identification.
After Step 2 is complete, the financial aid counselor will give the student a FWS Award Form. The student and job supervisor will complete the FWS Award Form and return it to their respective financial aid office. By signing the form both you and your supervisor are agreeing to the terms of the work study program.
After the FWS application forms are completed, the paperwork process could take about two weeks to be finalized. The student and their supervisor will receive a FWS Authorization Email that will show the date the student may begin working. Students may not begin to work prior to the Authorization email.
If you have additional questions, please contact your respective financial aid office.
All students must abide by the following terms and conditions when working a FWS position at PCOM, PCOM Georgia or PCOM South Georgia:
Work study students may be able to qualify for Supplementary Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP) also known as "food stamps" in their state of residence. The main qualifier is demonstration of earning Federal Work Study dollars. Students do not need to work a certain number of hours or earn a certain amount of money. Applications will usually ask for a recent pay stub.
PA Compass
NJ Helps
DE Assist
NY MyBenefits
GA Food Stamps
My Alabama
SC SNAP
My FL Families
Or visit SNAP to find your state's online application.