For consideration in the Community Service Federal Work-Study (CSFWS) program, Penn State students must have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Qualified students must already have a Federal Work-Study student aid award, or demonstrate federal financial need as determined by The Office of Student Aid. Please confirm your eligibility with OSA before applying for a position.
Along with demonstrated eligibility, qualified applicants must also:
- Acknowledge the benefits of community service and service learning opportunities;
- Be motivated, resourceful, dependable and willing to engage with members of the community through their work with a participating Community Partner;
- Be committed to working in racially, ethnically and economically diverse community; and,
- Represent the Penn State University in a responsible and respectful manner.
Returning students who have received positive evaluations from their placement sites will be given priority placements for the upcoming academic year. New applicants who can work a minimum of six hours per week and are willing to offer a year-long commitment will be given preference. All academic levels (first year through graduate school) are encouraged to apply.
CSFWS students are required to obtain all mandatory clearances (including The Pennsylvania State Criminal Background Check, The Pennsylvania State Child Abuse Clearance, and The FBI Fingerprinting Clearance) as part of the hiring process. Prior to placement, all students must complete mandatory trainings as required by the CSFWS Program.
For information on qualifications for Nittany Lions Read/Nittany Lions Count, please visit the NLR/NLC website.