Seminole State selected to take part in expanded Federal Work Study program

The U.S. Department of Education has selected Seminole State College of Florida to take part in a new initiative that allows more students to gain on-the-job experience with employers in their field of study as part of their Federal Work-Study (FWS) program. The initiative expands FWS opportunities for students at 190 institutions across the country. Seminole State is the only institution in Florida to be selected to take part.

The program expands earn-and-learn opportunities for students by removing barriers to off-campus jobs and allowing students to work more hours. Seminole State will also be the only college or university in Central Florida permitted to pay 50-75 percent of Federal Work Study students’ wages to their Private, for-profit employers for work-based learning such as apprenticeships, externships, and clinical rotations in their field of study.

“We know that early, meaningful work experience can be an important stepping stone toward students obtaining good jobs and having successful careers,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. Rather than working the dorm cafeteria line, students–particularly low-income students–will be able to ‘earn and learn’ in ways that will set them up for future success.”

Students need to be Federal Aid eligible and show a financial need to take part in the program.

“Seminole State is honored to take part in the Federal Work Study imitative and offer our eligible students’ hands-on learning opportunities and financial assistance,” said Seminole State President Dr. Georgia L. Lorenz. “This is another example of how everyone at the College works hard to help our students achieve their career goals while also providing employers with a skilled workforce.”

The initiative also provides additional funds and expands the amount of money that institutions can use to work with third-party intermediaries to help build partnerships with businesses.