Off-Campus Work-study Program
UTRGV’s Off-Campus Work-study Program provides several job opportunities for students wanting to get involved in the community and make a difference. These jobs are located off-campus with a pre-approved non-profit organization, school district, or local municipality.
Community Service
Non-profit community-based agencies can partner with UTRGV to employ eligible work-study student employees in roles that support community needs. Each Off-Campus program serves the community in diverse ways.
America Reads Tutors & America Counts Tutors
The America Reads and America Counts Programs are a part of a national campaign that challenges elementary school-aged children to excel in reading and mathematics.
These positions are available to students who are eligible for Federal Work-Study.
The Work-Study Program is a student financial aid program that encourages students to seek part-time employment while enrolled in school, so they can earn, rather than borrow, money to help pay for educational expenses.
Incentives
The biggest incentive to hire UTRGV work-study students is the hourly-wage subsidy provided by the program the Work-Study Program provides. Under an agreement with UTRGV, Work-study funds 100% of the student’s wages, meaning there so there is no cost to the agency. Once the student’s work-study award is exhausted, employment must stop. Any wages earned beyond the award amount would be the responsibility of Off-Campus Agency.
Employer eligibility
Eligible employers are non-profit and government organizations whose work is in the public interest. At this moment, private citizens and employers requiring the student to work outside the United States, and for-profit organizations, are not considered eligible employers.
Restrictions
There are some restrictions on the use of Work-Study funds. Work-Study funds cannot be used to pay students for their jobs if it:
- Replaces a full-time employee's position, regardless of when or why that position was eliminated or otherwise became vacant, including replacing workers on strike.
- Involves any partisan or nonpartisan political activity associated with a candidate or with a contending faction or group in an election for public or party office.
- Involves any lobbying at the federal level.
- Involves the construction, operation, or maintenance of so much of any facility as is used or is to be used for sectarian instruction or as a place for religious worship.
- It is outside the scope of the UTRGV Contract and program type.
Additionally, students cannot work more than 19 hours per week as per UTRGV HR regulations, and students are prohibited from working during class time.
To participate or get more information
For more information contact the current Work-Study Coordinator office via email at:
Workstudy@utrgv.edu
Prospective Off-campus employers are required to fill out and return the Application package to the work-study office for approval and processing.
The Application Package includes:
- Contract Agreement to be signed in black or blue ink
- Off-Campus Recruitment Form
Additional Required Documents:
- Non-profit Organizations are required to submit a valid copy of IRS 501(c)(3) Proof of Non-Profit Classification
- Organizations with 501(c)(4)and/or 501(c)(6) will require additional validation steps.
The contract package must be printed, signed, and mailed to the address below:
Work-Study Coordinator
Financial Aid ESSBL 1.151
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
1201 W. University Dr.
Edinburg, TX 78539
Off-Campus Agency Application Review
After the Application has been submitted, the contract will require additional UTRGV approval before completing the agreement.
Once signatures have been received, the new Agency will be contacted to schedule an orientation either in person or over the phone to go over the next details. Including Supervisor Expectations, UTRGV Work-Study Coordinators' role, job postings, interviewing, timecard certification, etc. A Supervisor's manual will also be provided during the orientation.
After meeting in person or by phone conference, a follow-up email will be sent outlining the timeline and meeting notes. As well as addressing any added follow-up questions the new agency may have.
Once the first setup is complete, annual renewal is a quick process for future years.
Renewing for a new Academic Year
In the summer, we begin renewing our partnerships for the new academic year. Your Agency should have a main contact listed to send the New Year contracts to. The Work-study Coordinator will email your designated contact the new contract and other program requirements. Please be sure to fill out and mail the originals to the address below:
Work-Study Coordinator
Financial Aid ESSBL 1.151
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
1201 W. University Dr.
Edinburg, TX 78539