Despite budget cuts, work-study program is moving forward

For a number of years, the work-study program has been a major source of financial relief to many students at this institution, as it offers about 300 on-campus work-study jobs.

According to Joanna McCormick, the senior director of the financial aid department, more than 20,000 students apply for financial aid and the work-study program annually. A budget cut could mean great financial hardships for students in the program and those looking forward to benefit from it.

Though a small budget cut from the state has decreased funding, there has been no such cut from the federal government. The work-study program will, however, be operating with less funds because there is no stimulus funding coming in this academic year.

“We received stimulus dollars last year and this year we are working without those stimulus dollars,” McCormick said.

Having the stimulus funding that was granted to many higher education institutions last year helped boost programs like work-study. Although they will be working without it this year, the program will continue to provide work opportunities for students.

“Overall, we’re down a bit, but not that much. We were cut at the state level somewhat, but when we put the state and federal dollars together, it’s not that bad,” McCormick said. “We are going forward with the work-study program as usual.”

For students unable to take part in the work-study program, the Career Center and Student Employment can help students find off-campus job opportunities that could help relieve the financially burdened.