Community Service Federal Work-Study Program

Grinnell College Federal Community Service Work-Study Program

     The Grinnell College Federal Community Service Work-Study Program provides an opportunity for students to earn their work-study financial aid award while working with a local non-profit organization.  A community service work-study student will not only help with the day to day activities of their partner organization, but will also collaboratively develop and lead a particular, sustainable service or social justice project related to the organization's philosophy and scope of practice.  In order to facilitate their project and help their partner organization, the students are asked to identify or lead a student group of volunteers committed to the work of their partner organization.

     The goal of the program is to provide students with an opportunity to work collaboratively with others to improve quality of life for people who find themselves somehow at risk or under-served.   The program also gives our students the invaluable experience of developing the cooperative leadership skills necessary to become a socially responsible and responsive member of society. Our hope is that Grinnell's community service work-study students will become part of the next generation of social justice leaders who not only make a difference themselves, but who also serve as a link between their partner organizations and the Grinnell campus, raising awareness of community needs and encouraging campus engagement now and well into the future. 

     Please note that this is a competitive program.  Many students and community partners are intereseted in participating.  However, the number of positions that can be offered by the program is limited by the amount of money granted in any one year to the College by the federal work-study program.   Students or local organizations who apply are not guaranteed a placement. 

Community Service Work-Study Students May Expect to:

• Feel like they are making a difference in the community!

• Work collaboratively along side a community partner organization.

• Gain experience in developing and leading sustainable service projects in the community.

• Have access to different kinds of mentors both on and off campus.

• Begin to learn how to balance work, leadership and service.

We Currently have students working for the following non-profit agencies through the Federal Community Service Work-Study Program:

Fairview, Bailey Park, & Davis Elementary Schools

The Grinnell Middle School

The Grinnell Alternative High School

The Ahrens Preschool & Daycare Center

The Grinnell Area Arts Council

The Faulkner Gallery Outreach Program

Mid Iowa Community Action

The Social Justice Action Group

The Clik Literacy Program

Seniors in Motion & Adopt a Grandparent programs

The Galaxy Youth Center & Stars Program

The Drake Community Library

The Grinnell Regional Medical Center

APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2011-2012 ACADEMIC YEAR ARE CLOSED.   PLEASE TRY AGAIN NEXT YEAR.

For Students: How to Apply for a Community Service Work-Study Job

1. Look at the student agreement below to see if the terms of this program are consistent with what you are looking for.
2. Confirm with Pam Sittig in the financial aid office (x3250; sittig@grinnell.edu) that you are eligilbe to receive federal work study monies.  If you have been granted a federal work-study award, make sure to determine with Pam what the amount of that award is.
3. Fill out the Community Service Work-Study Application on located on the tab above.  (If positions are currently filled the application will not appear.)
4. Contact Susan Sanning (x4981; sannings@grinnell.edu) to discuss your interests and to look at the listings of available community service work-study jobs.
5. If you have filled out an application, you will be contacted with a listing of open positions for which you are eligible to apply.  This will be done early each school year and if openings occur during the school year applications will again be taken in late January/early February.
6. Most positions will require an interview.  Students who have already worked with a community partner through the program and who have been asked to return to their position the following year will not be required to re-interview.
7. You will need a resume with a cover letter for each position you interview. 
8. If you are offered a job you will be asked to sign an agreement (found below) and return it to Susan at the Community Service Program office.  This agreement must be signed prior to working with your community partner.

For Non-Profit Employers: How to Apply for a Community Service Work-Study Student

1. Contact Susan Sanning (641-269-4981; sannings@grinnell.edu) to discuss the goals and parameters of the program.
2. Review the contract located in the table below to make sure you are comfortable with the terms of the agreement.
3. Fill out the Community Service Work-Study Job Description Proposal on located in the table below and either fax a signed copy to the program office at 641-269-4321 or mail it to 1233 Park Street, Grinnell, IA 50112. 
4. If possible, the job description may include a particular project that you would like to see the student organize.  The goal of the project must directly aim at improving the quality of life for an at risk or underserved community and/or focus on litaracy or math proficiency.  You are also welcome to request student collaboration on a project proposal if you so choose.
   
5. Your proposal will be reviewed upon receipt.
6. You will be notified when and if it is approved and/or of changes that may need to be made to the proposal.
7. Upon approval of the proposal, it will be listed in the Program Office as an open community service-work study position.
8. Students will be given an opportunity to apply for the position. 
9. If students express an interest in your position and if qualify for the program, you will be given the opportunity to interview them. 
10. When and if you find an appropriate candidate for your position contact Susan and the student will be asked to sign an agreement to work with you. (You may view this agreement below).
11. Please note that you are not guaranteed a student placement.  Positions will be filled on a first come first served basis and the number of positions filled will be limited by the community service work-study payroll budget as well as student interest in your position.

For more information contact: