By Monique Rodriguez-Martinez
Pulse Staff Reporter
If you are interested in gaining experience in your field of study and balancing school and work, Community Based Federal Work-Study is here for you is an opportunity for Alamo Colleges’ students to be able to work off campus.
Martha L. Treviño, Ph. D., director of Community Based Federal Work-Study said, “Students work in a position related to their degree plan and are able to obtain valuable experience in their field while still in school. Doing so gives them a competitive edge when graduating because they do so with experience.”
You can work for 57 mostly non-profit organizations and some municipal/governmental agencies while being paid. This program is similar to a paid internship. Students may apply for 300 positions.
To be eligible for Community Based Federal Work-Study, Treviño said students must qualify for financial aid and work-study, as well. Reliable transportation is also required.
Dolores Martinez, a sophomore Business management major at Palo Alto College, works at the Harlandale Independent School District’s S.T.E.M Academy.
One of the many things she likes about her job is that it allows her to work around her schedule. She gets to choose what days to work.
Martinez said she enjoys working alongside great organizations, enhancing her skills toward her goal in Business Management.
Martinez said, “While working in the front office, I am learning my interpersonal skills. Every day I am learning through different situations.”
She enjoys working alongside professional staff members, learning leadership and decision-making.
Treviño said, “Students graduating with experience in their field are more marketable than graduating without it. Students are capable of turning work-study positions into internships, permanent employment and gaining references by establishing relationships with other professionals in their degree plan. It is understood that a student’s studies are the top priority of Alamo Colleges and our partnered agencies.”
Digital Video/Film Production sophomore at Northwest Vista College, Kevin Nienhuis, is currently working at the Converse Public Library.
Nienhuis said he chose Community Work-Study because “I wanted to do something that meant something.”
Nienhuis said he “liked the idea of doing something that would be beneficial to others instead of taking a meaningless job.”
If you are interested in applying for Community Based Federal Work-Study, go to the Alamo Colleges District website. Go to the Menu tab. Choose “Current Students” and then click on “Student Opportunities”. From there, you may apply.
If you have any questions, contact Treviño at mtrevino114@alamo.edu .
PAC Student Media 