Community Work-Study

What is Community Work-Study?

Community Work-Study (CWS) presents students with the opportunity to earn their financial aid awards (work-study) while working at local organizations in the Frogtown and Summit-University neighborhoods in St. Paul.

The program’s focus is to encourage students to serve as a bridge between the local organization and Bethel, enabling both to build on the varied resources of the other. Community organizations receive assistance from a college student approximately 10-15 hours per week. Students are paid $16.00-$16.19 per hour.

Through community work-study, the Center for Community Engaged Learning provides students an opportunity to contribute to community change by dedicating significant collaborative time with neighborhood partners in advancing a local project. Students learn about community issues, develop new leadership skills, and build their professional network while expanding the capacity of a local organization. Throughout the semester students can attend forums and course presentations focusing on nonprofit issues, models of social change, and skill-building techniques. 

How do students get involved?

Step #1: Make sure that you are qualified for work-study.  If you don’t know, you can contact the Financial Aid department at finaid@bethel.edu. 

Step #2: If you qualify for work-study, look over the list of job descriptions and find a job that aligns with your passions and your schedule. 

Fall 2023-Spring 2024 Community Work-Study Job Descriptions

Step #3: Once you have identified a job you are interested in interviewing for, complete the application for a September 2023 to May 2024 community work-study position.

Fall 2023-Spring 2024 Community Work-Study Application Form

Step #4: If you decide to apply for the summer 2023 community work-study position (May 29, 2023-August 12, 2023) that pays $16 per hour and is a 40-hours-a-week appointment, you can access the application form via the following link:

Summer 2023 Community Work-Study Application Form

Once you have completed the community work-study application, the Bethel Center for Community Engaged Learning will connect you with the supervisor of the position you applied for. The organization’s supervisor will schedule an interview with you.

If you have any questions, please contact the Center for Community Engaged Learning at fsu@bethel.edu.