Federal Work Study

Aid Available through Student Employment Programs

Westfield State University has grouped the various financial aid programs available to our students into three different categories: grant/waivers, loan, and work. The following is a description of the student employment programs.

Federal Work Study Positions

Work Study is a federal- and state-funded program awarded to students with demonstrated need based on the FAFSA. Federal Work Study provides an opportunity for part-time employment on-campus, or off-campus with approved community service organizations. Westfield State University awards Federal Work Study to students who fill out a Federal Work-Study Waitlist form. This form is for students who are eligible, and awards will be given in the order the form is received, based on the availability of funds. This waitlist form can be requested by calling the Financial Aid office. Awarded students receive information packets with instructions for securing a job beginning in late July or early August, and as awards are made throughout the term.

Students may apply for Federal Work Study by reaching out to the Financial Aid Office, located on the first floor of the Horace Mann Center.  Funds are reviewed periodically, and students are notified of the outcome at their Westfield State University email addresses. We encourage interested students to reach out to the Financial Aid department during the first week of classes as demand for Work Study usually exceeds the amount of available funding.

Once a student is in the program, that student must continue to show eligibility each year based on the FAFSA. Students who remain eligible and earn most of their award in a year will be awarded the following year. Students who do not participate and earn most of their funds, or who do not show eligibility based on their FAFSA will not continue to be awarded Work Study.

Work-study jobs can be found on the Career Center’s Handshake platform for jobs and internships: https://westfield.joinhandshake.com. Log in using your MyWestfield credentials and use the filter to view available work-study jobs.

Non-Work Study Positions

Any student is eligible for non-work-study positions regardless of their financial aid status, provided that they are authorized to work in the United States. Non-work-study jobs exist in several departments on campus such as Dining Services, Athletics, and University Police.  Work-study jobs can be found on the Career Center’s Handshake platform for jobs and internships. Log in using your MyWestfield credentials and filter by location to view available on-campus jobs. Students are responsible for applying for positions and once hired, all required paperwork must be completed and verified prior to beginning employment. The Financial Aid Office is not involved in hiring students for Trust Fund positions.

Students are responsible for applying for positions and once hired, all required paperwork must be completed and verified prior to beginning employment. The Financial Aid Office is not involved in hiring students for non-work study positions.

Short-Term Paid Micro-Internships: Available to all class years of students, Parker Dewey offers flexible, professional, paid work experiences through Micro-Internships. If you are looking for opportunities to demonstrate your skills, explore career paths, and expand your network, but don’t have time for a traditional internship, these project-centered experiences are perfect for you – most can be completed remotely, typically involve 10 to 40 hours of work, and are deadline-driven as opposed to set during specific hours. 

Off-Campus Employment: If you need help finding an off-campus job, the Career Center is always available to help you.  To schedule an appointment, you can call 413-572-5206, stop by Parenzo 130, or request an appointment through Handshake by clicking on the Career Center tab.