Community Service Work Study Program (CSWS)

The CSWS program is a federal program that allows students with a federal work-study allowance in their financial aid award to work at a local not-for-profit or public sector organization to provide services that benefit the local community. Students are expected to attend orientation, training, and reflection/evaluation programs as part of their hours worked.

Vassar currently has CSWS agreements with over 10 community organizations in the Poughkeepsie area. Our community partners offer students unique and transformative experiences that encourage community engagement and strengthen the partnership between Vassar and Poughkeepsie. Through the CSWS program, students may work at one of the OCEL’s community partner organizations and get paid by the College through Federal work-study funding. 

The OCEL Community-Service Work-Study Program supports students who have a passion for community engagement and social justice and qualify for federal work-study. Each year, the OCEL and our partner organizations select 10 Vassar students to participate in a unique, year-long leadership program. The Community-Service Work Study Program allows students an opportunity to support community identified projects of the OCEL’s partner organizations. 

For more information about CSWS jobs, please visit the OCEL’s website.

All CSWS positions can be accessed through JobX where students can search for jobs and submit applications.