Work-Study | MCTC

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Affording College

Work-Study

Federal Work-Study

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program provides part-time employment opportunities for eligible students to earn money to help cover educational expenses. This program allows students to work flexible hours, gain valuable work experience, and develop professional skills while prioritizing their academic responsibilities. Jobs may be on-campus or with approved off-campus organizations.

Student employees must be eligible for hire as determined by KCTCS Hiring Policies. Federal Work Study is a federal needs-based work program that determines eligibility through the FAFSA and is available as long as federal funding and employment are available.

Student earnings are paid directly every two weeks. Wages are never automatically paid towards any outstanding MCTC bill. Work schedules are intended to accommodate student schedules with students normally working an average of 20 hours per week.

Eligibility:

  • Must have a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on file.
  • Must have financial need as determined by the FAFSA
  • Must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours per semester. 
  • Your home campus must be MCTC in Maysville, Montgomery, Rowan, or Licking Valley
  • Must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  • Must Pass a background check. 
  • Must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

How much will I make?

The Federal Work-Study hourly pay will be at least the current federal minimum wage, but it may be higher. Moreover, students across the Maysville, Rowan, Montgomery, and Licking Valley Campuses receive an equal pay rate. Total FWS awarding depends on when you apply, your level of need, and how many hours are available to work.

A student’s FWS funding depends on several factors, including:

  1. Financial Need: Eligibility for FWS is determined by the information provided in the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). A student must demonstrate financial need as calculated by the FAFSA.
  2. Unmet Need: FWS funding is part of a student’s overall financial aid package and cannot exceed their total unmet financial need. This is calculated as the cost of attendance (tuition, fees, living expenses, etc.) minus any grants, scholarships, or other financial aid received.
    Availability of FWS Funds: Each school has a limited allocation of FWS funding from the federal government. Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis or according to the school’s specific policies.
  3. Hours Worked: The amount a student earns is based on their hourly rate and the number of hours worked. They cannot earn more than their total FWS award for the academic year.
  4. Program Requirements and Compliance: Students must meet the institution's guidelines for maintaining eligibility, such as submitting timesheets on time, adhering to work-hour limitations, and remaining in good academic standing.

How will I be paid?

You will be paid by the hour. KCTCS colleges will pay you directly twice a month.

Pay periods run from the 1st to the 15th and from the 16th to the 31st of each month, with paydays falling on the 15th and 30th (with certain weekend and holiday adjustments). Pay is disbursed two weeks behind the pay period.

Are Federal Work-Study jobs on campus or off campus?

Both! You may be assigned to work at any of the locations of your local MCTC campus. If you work off campus, it can be at a nonprofit organization. Placement requests are welcomed and accepted, but placement is primarily determined based on availability.

On-Campus FWS Jobs

  1. Job Locations: On-campus FWS jobs are typically with departments or offices within the college. Examples include Information Technology Department, Student Support Services, Enrolment Center, Welding Department, Administrative Offices, Assistant to Faculty/Staff, and campus departments.
  2. Relevant Experience: On-campus jobs may align with a student’s field of study, offering relevant work experience. No special skills or past experience is needed.
  3. Convenience: These positions are often located at the student’s primary campus, making it easier to access and balance academic responsibilities.
  4. Supervisor Interaction: Students work directly with an assigned campus staff or faculty, which can foster professional relationships and mentorship opportunities.

Off-Campus FWS Jobs

  1. Job Locations: Off-campus FWS positions are typically with nonprofit organizations and community service agencies. Examples include roles at local schools, hospitals, libraries, or charitable organizations.
  2. Community Impact: These jobs often focus on work shadowing, community service, and allowing students to contribute to the greater good while getting hands-on experience.
  3. Work Flexibility: Off-campus positions accommodate a student’s academic schedule, but students may need to factor in travel time to reach these job sites.
  4. Networking Opportunities: Off-campus roles can help students build connections within the local community and explore career paths outside of academia. Students will be assigned to a designated supervisor through the organization.

When can I start?

The FWS program operates on a limited budget, so a waiting list is maintained for students who are eligible but not immediately placed. Students on the waiting list are contacted as positions become available, typically in the order of their application and eligibility. Placement depends on program funding, unmet financial need, and available positions with supervisors. Students will be notified directly when a position opens and will be provided a start date once all required onboarding and training are completed.

How do I know if I am eligible?

Our team will contact you after your application and eligibility have been evaluated.

Program Start and End Dates:

Work Study employment cycles begin at the beginning of each semester and end at the end of each semester. If a student is interested in continuing their employment into the next semester, a verbal or email request must be provided to the FWS Coordinator by the designated deadline. Communications about the end of the semester and important dates are provided by the coordinator prior to any deadline.

If there is no communication to proceed to the next semester, the student will be automatically termed.

Can I work as many hours as I want?

Simply, no. The amount you earn cannot exceed your total Federal Work-Study unmet need award. The MCTC Office of Financial Aid will determine available unmet need, the number of hours available to be worked for the present semester and notify the student and supervisor prior to beginning employment.

Do I have to attend Training?

Yes, training is required for all students before they begin working. This ensures students understand program expectations, policies, and procedures. These sessions provide thorough instructions on timesheet submissions, workplace etiquette, and available resources, setting students up for success in their roles and ensures consistency, compliance, and a smooth transition into their work-study positions.

Training is offered near the start of each semester and periodically throughout, depending on availability. Students who are added to the waiting list will be sent email notifications on when training will occur. Normally, training will be held at the Maysville Campus.

Yearly online training is also mandatory by KCTCS. All training communications will be conducted by the FWS Coordinator.

How do I get Started?

  1. Submit a FAFSA application, available at www.studentaid.gov
    -Applications normally take 3-5 days to process and must be submitted yearly.
  2. Submit a FWS application
    -Students are contacted (via email) to confirm eligibility
  3. Attend a mandatory FWS Training Session
  4. Await placement
    -Send placement requests directly to the Financial Aid Office
  5. Begin Onboarding
  6. Once all documentation has been completed and processed, the FWS Coordinator will provide a start date & additional information to begin working.

How do I submit an application for FWS? 

  1. Go to Careers.KCTCS.edu
  2. Create an account
  3. Search jobs: Maysville Federal Work Study
  4. Apply for position: Student applications for employment

Who do I contact?

The Financial Aid Office of the Maysville Community and Technical College administers the FWS program for Maysville, Rowan, Montgomery & Licking Valley campuses and is housed at the Maysville Campus at 1755 US Highway 68, KY 41056, in the Enrollment Building.

Direct all student FWS questions to: 

Ashlyn Vail
Financial Aid Specialist & FWS Coordinator
(606) 301-6135

Karen Overley
Financial Aid Assistant & FWS Coordinator

Macenzie Gilbert
Human Resources Coordinator
606-301-6012