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Work-study vital for AU
Students learn, earn money as part of financial aid packet
By Mishri Someshwar on 2/16/04
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Currently, 1,300 AU students are employed in the work-study program, which they qualify for by demonstrating financial need.
However, since this is solely part of the federal financial aid program, it is applicable only to American citizens.
Sophomore Melvin Amaya has worked at the Multicultural Affairs office for the last three semesters said he has "picked up quite a few graphic design skills." Meanwhile, freshman Rebecca Shillenn who works in the School of Communication office, said that she "figured out how to use a lot of program applications" - something she would not have learned otherwise.
Like many others in the program, they will be putting down work-study experience on their rsums.
Employers' experiences with work-study students have been positive overall.
Richard Hellings of the SOC Graduate Office, points out that the students' job is mainly to reduce the staff's.
"During the summer, when they aren't on campus, we do their work," Hellings said. "So it isn't like they're indispensable, but they certainly are helpful."
Helen Alatorre of the Multicultural Affairs office takes a different stance on how essential work-study students are in the office.
"From the start, I told them that they wouldn't be stuffing envelopes," Alatorre said. "I treat them like colleagues and I expect the same standard of work."
Alatorre speaks proudly of how one work-study student single-handedly coordinated a scholarship dinner when the Multicultural Affairs office found itself short-staffed.
"My experience with work-study kids has been wonderful," Alatorre said.
AU's Federal Work-Study Coordinator Michelle D. Harris mentions that aside from benefiting students, the university gains as well because its daily operations are partially, and very economically, run by students.
The D.C.-area community in general also benefits from the D.C. Reads program, which hires federal work-study students to teach elementary school children in Anacostia and Columbia Heights to read.
There are also work-study positions related to health care, childcare, welfare and social service among others. Thus college students are making a difference while earning an income.