Community Service Work-Study is a federally-funded program that allows students to earn their Work-Study award while serving the community in such areas as education, recreation, health care, public safety, social services, crime prevention, and tutoring and mentoring.

Community Service positions benefit the student as well as the community by increasing awareness of community needs through employment in areas that are dedicated to improving the quality of life for community residents--particularly low-income individuals--or to solve problems related to their needs.

But Community Service is much more than a definition. . . It's the satisfaction you get from knowing that through your time and efforts, you've helped to make your corner of the world a better place to live in.

Like all Work-Study positions, the tangible benefits are great:

• Your work schedule is designed to fit around your class times.
• Unlike a typical non-Work-Study job, your earnings don't reduce your eligibility for need-based financial aid the following year.
• You gain valuable hands-on work experience, learn time-management skills, and make contacts in the business world.
• You have a regular paycheck, so you can borrow less student loan, which will help to keep your monthly payment manageable after you graduate.
• You can work in an area which is suited to your career interests.
• You will generally work only 10 to 12 hours per week, and never more than 19 hours per week.

Searching for a Community Service Work-Study position is easy!

1. We've included a list of all area agencies that are approved to offer Off-Campus Community Service Work-Study positions, as well as links to those agencies that currently have web sites. Look over the list and web sites to find some agencies that sound interesting to you.
2. To explore On-Campus Community Service Work-Study positions, check out Work-Study positions located in Research Labs, Learning Resource Centers, offices with tutoring and mentoring programs for children, offices that provide services to University students with disabilities, and other offices whose services are open to the Austin community (such as museums, art galleries, UT Performing Arts Center).
3. Log onto the Hirealonghorn Job Bank and choose "Work-Study" under Job Category. Once you've found a position you're interested in, follow the application instructions on the job posting, and you're on your way to making a difference in the world!
4. Don’t hesitate to contact an approved Community Service Work-Study employer directly to inquire about possible Work-Study job openings. Not all agencies post all of their positions on the Hirealonghorn job bank, so it never hurts to ask!