Utah Tech University offers a work-study program to help students gain experience while in school.
The work-study program is designed for students who need additional help paying tuition after other financial aid has been awarded. Eligibility is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
The Financial Aid and Scholarship Office awards work-study funds to eligible students.
Students must complete a FAFSA form and demonstrate unmet financial need after scholarships, grants and loans are applied. Unmet financial needs are decided by FAFSA.
After completing the FAFSA, students must submit a work-study application through Handshake. Applications are then forwarded to department supervisors.
Students can begin applying for positions July 1, said Lauren McCoy, financial aid counselor and work-study coordinator.
“The earlier they apply, the better chance of finding a job,” McCoy said.
Work-study funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so students are encouraged to apply early.
Students typically work 15 to 20 hours per week and must maintain satisfactory academic progress while enrolled in at least nine credits.
About 150 work-study positions are available across campus, McCoy said. “There is something for everyone,” she said.
Positions range from roles related to a student’s major to jobs in areas such as:
- The Utah Tech Police Department
- Sports medicine
- Education
- Marketing
- The Library
- Testing Center
Students can also find positions through the Tiny Trailblazer Preschool. Another lesser-known option is America Reads, a program that allows college students to tutor elementary students in reading literacy, McCoy said.
“One of the most challenging steps for students is creating resumes or writing cover letters, as this process may be unfamiliar to some,” McCoy said. “Fortunately, resources like Career Services can help students strengthen their applications.”
McCoy said the work-study program allows students to stay connected to campus, develop valuable job skills and maintain a balance between work and their classes.
“I work at the circulation desk,” said Ellie Jensen, a sophomore humanities, philosophy and religion major from Clearfield. “We are in charge of reserves, so if people want to check out textbooks, markers or anatomy models, we check them out.”
“Being in the program teaches you things like time management, communication and responsibility in a real-world setting,” said Kaitlyn Hougham, a senior elementary education major from Las Vegas, and circulation desk helper.
Jensen said the work-study program makes it easy to form friendships since everyone involved is also a fellow student.
“Overall, the program demonstrates a strong understanding of students and the many commitments they balance in their academic and personal lives,” Hougham said. “Their student-centered approach helps foster both academic and personal growth from my experience.”
