Navigating Work-Study Opportunities at UCLA: A Comprehensive Guide

The Work-Study program at UCLA offers eligible students the chance to earn financial aid through part-time employment, both on and off-campus. This guide provides a detailed overview of the program, its requirements, eligibility criteria, and the steps involved in securing a work-study position.

What is Work-Study?

Work-Study is a need-based financial aid program that allows students to earn money through employment while attending UCLA. It aims to encourage part-time work to reduce reliance on student loans. The program subsidizes a portion of the student's salary, making it more attractive for employers to hire work-study students. Crucially, earnings from work-study jobs do not negatively impact aid eligibility in subsequent academic years when completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or California Dream Act applications.

Types of Work-Study Programs at UCLA

UCLA offers several work-study programs, each with its own specific focus and eligibility criteria:

Federal Work-Study

This is the primary work-study program, encompassing a wide array of on-campus positions. Awards typically range from $1000 to $3000 during the academic year. The Federal Work-Study program can encompass almost all positions on campus.

University Work-Study

Specifically designed for DREAM Act students eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), this program provides opportunities during both the summer and academic year. Awards can range from $500 to $5000.

Read also: Comprehensive Work-Study Info

JUMPSTART

Administered by the UCLA Center for Community Learning, JUMPSTART is an AmeriCorps program focused on promoting literacy among local preschoolers. UCLA undergraduates from any major can apply for this year-long program. Participation in JUMPSTART allows students to petition for an increase in their work-study award, up to $5500. Note that an increase in work-study may lead to a decrease in student loans.

AMERICA READS UCLA BruinCorps

As a community service learning program within UCLA Student Affairs, BruinCorps consists of two programs: Tutoring and the VISTA Project. These programs aim to provide equal access to educational opportunities for under-resourced communities in Los Angeles County. BruinCorps members are dedicated to serving the needs of the community, particularly youth. Students hired under this program can petition for a work-study increase of up to $5000. Note that an increase in work-study may lead to a decrease in student loans.

Community Service Positions

These positions, located both on and off-campus at approved locations, are focused on benefiting the community. Students in these roles are eligible to petition for a work-study increase of up to $5500. Note that an increase in work-study may lead to a decrease in student loans.

Graduate Work Study Program

The Graduate Work Study Program provides federal work-study to graduate students with a demonstrated need to complete part-time paid internships, community service, research projects, or other endeavors closely related to their academic degree program. Students can request a maximum of $15,000. After you receive your official Bruin Financial Aid Letter (BFAL), you must apply and be approved for a specific job by the Graduate Division-Fellowships & Financial Services.

Eligibility Requirements for Work-Study at UCLA

To be eligible for the Work-Study program, students must meet the following criteria:

FAFSA/Dream Application: Submit a FAFSA or Dream Application by the priority deadline (March 2).
Financial Need: Demonstrate financial need, with a Parent Contribution/Student Contribution (PC/SC) of $12,000 or less for California residents.
Enrollment Status: Be enrolled at least half-time (Undergraduates: 6 units, Graduates: 4 units).
Work Study Award: Students who are eligible for this program will have a Work Study award on their award letter. The award is only valid for the specified FAN (Financial Aid Notification) period and cannot be rolled over.
Graduate Student Eligiblity: To participate in the Graduate Work Study Program, you must also: Be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident; Be identified as eligible for Graduate Work Study ( Students will be notified via their aid letter to fill out an application); Complete the GWSP Application participation request by the deadline for summer and/or academic year; Maintain satisfactory academic progress.

All awarding is dependent on funding availability from the UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships office.

Finding Work-Study Jobs at UCLA

Current approved work-study job positions are listed on the UCLA Work Study Job Bulletin posted on MyUCLA. Here's how to access the bulletin:

Login to MyUCLA
Select "Finances and Jobs"
Select "Work Study Job Search"
Once you find a job that interests you, select "View" to find more information about the position.

You can also find work-study job opportunities at ASUCLA and UCLA Handshake. For help with your resume and interview preparation, check out the following resources offered by the UCLA Career Center:

Resume: Use the UCLA Career Guide to help you create your resume, then get 24/7 feedback by uploading your resume into VMock.
Interview Tips: Get interview tips and practice your interview skills 24/7 with InterviewStream.

Graduate Students Job Search

Search for a job at the Online Work Study Job Bulletin (WSJB). If a position is not available or does not match the graduate field of study, students can seek out potential employers to participate in GWSP and have them post a position that meets their needs. Students are responsible for contacting potential employers and arranging job interviews.

Securing a Work-Study Position: The Hiring Process

Once you have accepted a position, you must complete the hiring process. This consists of completing the hiring paperwork and submitting the online referral form. This must be completed by the hiring deadline specified for the award period.

Position Pool Off-Campus (includes ASUCLA): Once you accept the work study award, you can send a message on Message Center to request a hiring appointment. During the hiring appointment, you will present your hiring documents (view acceptable i-9 forms). Be prepared with any questions you may have about the hiring process, timesheets, or work-study in general. The Off-Campus employer will be given access to the online referral form to complete and submit.

Off-Campus Hiring Paperwork Process: Once students accept the work-study award, they can send our office a message on Message Center to request a hiring appointment. During the hiring appointment, students will present their hiring documents (view acceptable i-9 forms). Be prepared with any questions about the hiring process, timesheets, or work-study in general. We will also give the Off-Campus employer access to the online referral form to complete and submit.

How to Get Paid Through Work-Study

You are paid bi-weekly, based on the dates specified for each pay period. Your time records must be submitted on time (by the due date specified on TRS). If you are hired under ASUCLA, you do not submit your time record via the TRS system; this is done automatically by ASUCLA.

Important Considerations for Work-Study Students

Working Hours: You can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year. During winter and spring breaks, along with the summer period, students may work up to 40 hours per week. The employer is responsible for 100% of hours worked in excess of 20 per week. The employer must mentor, supervise and monitor the activities of student hires.
Multiple Jobs: You can only be in one work-study job at a time.
Minimum Wage: You must be paid at least the minimum wage, and your wage must be reasonable for the position and comparable to other employees in similar roles.
Summer Work-Study: Summer work-study is available if you are enrolled at least half-time and submit the summer application on time. Federal guidelines require enrollment during the summer. In the event that you are not enrolled, federal guidelines require the application of 'Summer Savings' and mandatory enrollment during the preceding Fall term.
Time Reporting: Your time records must be submitted on time (by the due date specified on TRS).

Additional Resources for Students

The UCLA Career Center offers services and event sign-ups exclusively for UCLA students to find non-work-study positions. Having a job while pursuing your UC education is one way to meet your student contribution and reduce the amount you'll have to borrow.

Graduate Students and Work-Study

Federal work-study grants are available to âfinancially need eligibleâ graduate students to complete part-time paid internships, community service, research projects, or other endeavors closely related to their academic degree program. Graduate students working on a research project in his/her discipline qualify for funding.

Graduate Student Eligibility

Be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident.
Identified as eligible for Graduate Work-Study.
Be enrolled at least half time (four units) per quarter. If you are employed as Teaching Assistants/Associates/Fellows, Readers/Special Readers, Tutors/Remedial Tutors, or Graduate Student Researchers you must be enrolled in 12 units per quarter.
For summer appointments, be enrolled during the summer and the preceding Fall term (due to Federal guidelines). If you are not enrolled, the amount you earn will be deducted from next yearâs financial aid eligibility.

Graduate Student Application Process

The UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships Office is responsible for determining studentsâ financial need and eligibility for Federal Work-Study funds.
Students submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. The priority filing deadline is April 2 (for 25/26), annually, to be considered for Work Study funds in the following academic year.
eFAN (Electronic Financial Aid Notifications) notifies students of their eligibility.
Students must select the link provided on their aid letter to confirm interest in GWSP.
Search for a job on the Work Study Job bulletin posted on myUCLA under âWork Study Job Search.â If a position is not available or does not match oneâs graduate field of study, students can seek out potential employers to participate in GWSP and have them post a position that meets the studentâs needs.
Complete the GWSP application participation request. Please make sure the form is completed in its entirety and is correct.
After approval by Graduate Fellowships and Financial Services, the application is forwarded to the Work-Study Office for verification and final approval.
Students accept their Work-Study award via their eFAN and will be able to view their Work-Study Job Referral Form.

Graduate Student Summer Appointments

Federal guidelines require enrollment during the summer. In the event the student does not enroll, federal guidelines require the application of âSummer Savingsâ and mandatory enrollment during the preceding Fall term. Federal aid programs require that students be enrolled in a minimum number of credit hours to establish eligibility for Federal funding.

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