NASFAA Mention: How Work-Study Programs Can Teach Students Career Skills

"The familiar but inconspicuous work-study programs on campuses could be fine-tuned to improve retention, helping students who need income while providing them with sought-after career-readiness skills and training opportunities, according to a new report," Education Dive reports.

"The report touches on ways the work-study program can help tackle two nagging issues in higher education: career readiness and retention. Students who see value in these jobs and make connections through them to the campus, peers and professionals may have a better experience in college and be more likely to stay enrolled, it notes.

It also suggests career-readiness be a goal, something work-study programs can help with by emulating the real-life hiring process — such as requiring a resume and an interview, offering an orientation to the position and conducting an exit interview. Those steps can also help the institution gather data on the student work experience.

In a 2017 report, nonpartisan think tank New America made a set of recommendations for improving the federal work-study program. Among them, it suggests structuring jobs around career and educational goals rather than menial tasks, as well as increasing work-study funding to community colleges and more equitably distributing the money nationwide. A 2016 report from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) made similar recommendations."

NASFAA's "Notable Headlines" section highlights media coverage of financial aid to help members stay up to date with the latest news. Inclusion in Today's News does not imply endorsement of the material or guarantee the accuracy of information presented.

 

Publication Date: 3/12/2019


Related Content

Biden’s 2025 Budget Proposal Would Boost Pell, Eliminate Student Loan Origination Fees

MORE | ADD TO FAVORITES

Today's News for March 12, 2024

MORE | ADD TO FAVORITES

VIEW ALL
View Desktop Version