Engage @ EMU

Engage@EMU's Community Work-Study Program (CWSP) allows students who qualify for federal work-study to gain real world experience in an internship that aligns with their career goals and aspirations. By partnering with local non-profits and government organizations, the CWSP provides students the opportunity to finance their education while kickstarting their career!

If you are a student wanting to apply for the CWSP, view our open positions on Handshake. 

For prospective partner sites, please fill out our Site Application Form.  

Questions? Please See the FAQ Below or Contact [email protected]

• What Sites Are Partnered with the CWSP?

  • Current Placements

    Currently Community Work-Study students are working at the following locations:

    • AmeriCorps
    • Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber (A2YC)
    • Financial Empowerment Center
    • Friends of MI Animal Rescue
    • Inspiring Service
    • Ozone House
    • Our Community Reads
    • Parkridge Community Center
    • Reading Partners/Brilliant Detroit
    • SPARK East/Ann Arbor SPARK
    • Student Advocacy Center
    • The Collaborative: Ypsilanti YMCA Child Development Center
    • Trinity Health Ann Arbor
    • Ypsi Rotary Club
    • Ypsi Thrift Shop
    • Ypsilanti Senior Center
    • Ypsilanti Youth Orchestra

    and more!

  • Previous Placements

    The following organizations have hosted Community Work-Study Students:

    • 826michigan
    • A2Ideas
    • Ann Arbor YMCA
    • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County
    • Bright Futures
    • Child Care Network
    • City of Ann Arbor, Natural Area Preservation
    • Digital Inclusion
    • Educate Youth
    • Growing Hope
    • Habitat for Humanity Huron Valley
    • Mentor2Youth
    • Michigan Ability Partners
    • Michigan Advocacy Program 
    • Prison Creative Arts Project
    • Revalue
    • Riverside Arts Center
    • SOS Community Services
    • The American Society of Adaptation Professionals
    • Washtenaw Literacy
    • Washtenaw Promise
    • Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels
    • We The People Opportunity Farm
    • Ypsilanti District Library

  • 2023-2024 Data

    For the 2023-2024 academic year, 26 students worked for 18 local nonprofit and government organizations as part of the program. EMU students worked 2,952 hours, which is estimated at value of $44,273 to our community partners. Overall, students collected around $39,000 in work study funding to support themselves through college.

• Student FAQ

  • How Do I Get Started?

    First, find us on Handshake to see what positions are available.

    Then, apply for the position via handshake or fill out our CWSP Application Form.

     

    Once you submit your application, the CWSP Supervisor will review it and confirm your eligibility for the work-study program. They will then contact you via your EMU email to arrange an interview.

    Before your CWSP interview, please take the following steps:

    1. Fill out the student information form provided by the CWSP Supervisor. 
    2. Review your school and extracurricular schedule to identify 5-10 hours per week that you can commit to your CWSP job.

    Have questions about the work-study application process? Please email your EID to CWSP Supervisor Josh Lococo at[email protected] for assistance.

  • What is the Pay Rate and How Will I Be Paid?

    All CWSP students begin at a rate of $15 per hour during their first semester.

    Students are required to log their hours for each pay period using the time sheet available in their my.emich.edu account. CWSP Supervisor will walk you through the time sheet process. For detailed instructions on completing your time sheet, please refer to the Payroll Resources tab below. CWSP Site Supervisors will also submit time sheets for each student every pay period.

    CWSP Supervisor will send reminders to both students and site supervisors on the morning time sheets are due.

    Your work-study award funds will be automatically deposited to your Eagle OneCard, unless you have set upset up Direct Deposit [PDF].

  • What Job Opportunities Are Available?

    The goal of CWSP is to match students with positions that align with their interests and skills at local nonprofit organizations. Students may also use their work-study award at for-profit organizations if they are working on a project that benefits the community. 

    Here are some examples of job opportunities CWSP students have taken on in the past. If you're interested in a role outside these areas, let us know— we’ll work with you to find a placement that matches your interests.

    • Arts: Art Program Assistant, Art's Educator (K-12)
    • Communications: Volunteer Coordinator, Communications Manager, Marketing Intern, Social Media Manager, Blog Writer
    • Education: After-School/Before-School Tutor (K-12), Preschool Mentor, ESL Workshop Assistant, Creative Writing Workshop Assistant, Child Development Assistant (18 mos. - 5 years)
    • Environmental Science: Environmental Advocacy Webinar Assistant, Environmental Curriculum Assistant
    • General: Food Pantry Stocker, Meal Kit Sorter, Meal Delivery Driver, Events & Photography Assistant
    • Public Sector/Government: Community Development Assistant, Government/Nonprofit Events Assistant
    • Technology: Computer Technician

  • What do I need to do to begin after I have been accepted?

    Before you can begin your CWSP job, you’ll need to complete the Student Employment Checklist. Please follow the steps below to get started:

    Complete I-9 Form [PDF] (Page 3 has the Lists of Acceptable Documents)

    • • Email Crystal Walrath at the University Advising and Career Development Center (UACDC) at [email protected] to to schedule an in-person appointment to complete the form.

    Complete the following tasks in your my.emich.edu account under the Student Employment Menu:

    • • Certify that you have read and understand the Student Employee Policy [PDF] and the Data Security and Confidentiality Policy
      • Consent to a Criminal Background Check 

• Site FAQ

  • How Do I Get Started?

     If you are interested in getting started with the CWSP Program, please complete the following steps:

    • Fill out the Organization Interest Form
    • The CWSP Supervisor will review your application and contact you via email. 
    • If approved the CWSP Supervisor will contact your organization to set up a time to complete a CWSP orientation with you.

     

    Please email CWSP Supervisor Josh Lococo at [email protected] with any questions.

• Resources For Current CWSP Students

  • Payroll Resources

    • Fall 2024-Summer 2025 Payroll Calendar [PDF] (Valid Until September 2025)
    • How to Access a Time Sheet
    • How to Enter Time on a Time Sheet
    • How to Submit a Time Sheet (You must enter your PIN to submit a time sheet, follow these directions to access your PIN)
    • Setting Up Direct Deposit [PDF]

  • Virtual Work Resources

    Working in a virtual or remote setting can be a flexible, yet challenging option for both students and their placement organizations! During your meeting with the CWSP supervisor, they will discuss some of the benefits and challenges of this type of position.

    Here are some resources that students have found helpful when making the transition to virtual work:

    • How to Make the Most of a Virtual Internship
    • 6 Ways to Make the Most of a Remote Internship

  • Tax Resources

    Your earnings from your CWSP job count as income/wages and will have taxes taken out each year. Even though your work-study income is taxed, it will not count against your FAFSA financial aid award. See below for helpful resources when tax time comes around.

    • Steps to View and Print My W-2 (Note: This Electronic W-2 Consent Form must be filled out prior to receiving an electronic W-2)
    • Process to Update Your W-4 Information (Federal Withholding Allowances/Amounts) 

    Visit this site for a helpful article which explains why taxes are taken out of work-study wages.

  • FAFSA Resources

    A FAFSA must be filled out in October of each year to be considered to received federal work-study funds. Please contact the CWSP supervisor if you have any questions related to the FAFSA process. 

    Visit the EMU FAFSA site for more information.

  • Internship and Career Resources

    Graduating soon and searching for an Internship or Career Opportunities? The University Advising and Career Development Center (UACDC) offers support with the following:

    • Finding an internship
    • Connecting with Graduate Assistant positions
    • Creating or updating your resume
    • Preparing for interviews
    • Building your LinkedIn profile
    • Working with an EMU Career Coach to align your skills and goals with the right career