Getting Paid to Learn

Written by Amber Manini

There is a common phrase that most of us joke around about, “if only money grew on trees.” As college students, recent graduates or, alumni there is a mutual understanding of just how much money is poured into our education. For some of us who have or are achieving a bachelors degree this amount only spans over a four year time span while for others this amount accumulates sometimes spanning to ten or more years. Tuition payments, and other costs accumulated while trying to achieve a higher education makes the phrase “if only money grew on trees” essential.

The Work-Study program started as a part of the United States Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. It is this act that was designed to help the United States achieve its full potential in economics and as a functioning society. It is this act that states that every individual should have the opportunity to participate in the workings of our society. The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 allows everyone the opportunity for training, education, and work within the society. Among this act was the Work-Study program whose goal is as stated, “stimulate and promote the part-time employment of students in institutions of higher education who are from low-income families and are in need of the earnings from such employment to pursue courses of study at such institutions.”

As the Work-Study program unfolded, the program switched from being held under the Department of Labor to the Department of Health, Education and, Welfare. In the Higher Education Act of 1965, the revisions to this act in 1972, and amendments made in 1992 the Federal Work-Study program is the program that many of us see in most U.S. Colleges. A program that is offered to our students in their Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA.

UH Hilo like many other schools in the United States participate in the Federal Work Study program. As stated on the UH Hilo Financial Aid website, the Federal Work Study program allows students with financial need the ability to receive part time employment. These UH Hilo students can be students of either graduate or undergraduate class standing who are enrolled at least half time. As an employee the student would get paid at least minimum wage receiving paychecks twice a month.

UH Hilo Admissions Office Student Employee’s all students a part of the Federal Work Study Program or AANAPISI Program. Students who benefit from work related experience while getting pay to help with their higher education expenses. Photo was featured on the UH Hilo Admissions Office Facebook page.

As the United States Department of Labor has concluded in their study titled, Parental Transfers, Student Achievement and the Labor Supply of College Students, forty nine percent of all four year college students were employed in 2006. These students sought out employment due to the lack of loans and aid they were receiving while going to school. As the Department of Labor suggested, those students who sought out a valuable work experience within their area of interest showed many long term benefits.

UH Hilo has many Federal Work Study jobs open in different offices for students. One of the offices that is a primary employer of Federal Work Study eligible students is the UH Hilo Admissions Office.

UH Hilo Admissions Staff in their Pink attire supporting Breast Cancer awareness. Student Jasmin Mae Quiamas is featured in the front second to the right. Photo was featured on the UH Hilo Admissions Office Facebook page.

Jasmin Mae Quiamas, a sophomore at UH Hilo is just one of the many student employee’s in the UH Hilo Admissions Office. A recent hire at the Admissions Office Quiamas has only positive things to say about her three months she has been working under the Federal Work Study Program. “Personally my job is helping me with my social skills and I'm learning new skills such as good customer service. I also learned new things about myself that I didn't know I could do. Before I used to be really shy and I was scared to answer phones but now I'm very comfortable,” said Quiamas.

Mae recalls looking for a job for just over a month and searching for the office who was offering a work study job. When asked if she would consider her job beneficial to her education she replied saying yes because of the numerous new things she is learning both personally and as a future job seeking professional.

Unfortunately, money doesn't grow on trees. The flip side to that is the drive and opportunity that we have to seek out different ways to achieve a higher education and reach our goals. As Quiamas recalls, “Work Study is a fun and good learning experience.” Work study for those of us struggling through college may just be the answer. Take the time to think about your future and take the time to learn through the Federal Work Study program that provides part-time jobs for students in financial need. Take initiative and get involved!

For more information regarding your Federal Work Study eligibility contact the UH Hilo Financial Aid Office at (808) 932-7449 or uhhfao@hawaii.edu

#business #ambermanini #jasminquiamas #federalworkstudyprogram