State Work Study Program (SWS)…What an Opportunity!!
If your student has been awarded with State Work Study, he/she is presented with the opportunity to work for an off-campus employer to earn the award and gain valuable work experience and an income while attending school. The program is run on a first-come, first-served basis and simply having an award does not guarantee a spot in the program. Students are expected to monitor their Gonzaga e-mail account to receive important communications about SWS information and deadlines.
Local employers offering SWS jobs have been approved by Gonzaga to participate and are contracted with the State of Washington to provide the best work experience possible. Gonzaga is very fortunate to have a pool of dedicated employers who provide mentorship and flexibility to meet the needs of students. Although the work sites are located throughout the Spokane area, many employers can be easily accessed via car, bus, biking or walking.
Students have a variety of work opportunities to choose from, including jobs directly related to their field of study or area of interest. The job search process is made easy with the availability of an on-line job board through the Student Employment website. A few weeks before the start of the academic year, students simply decide which positions to apply for and then communicate directly with the SWS approved employers hoping to land an interview and job.
Once hired, a student must complete the necessary paperwork and be approved to participate in the program on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the approval process is complete the student may begin working (no more than 19 hours per week) on the designated date and the income earned is paid directly to the student by the SWS employer.
If your student would like additional information about the benefits of this valuable program, he/she is invited to contact the Student Employment Office at (509)313-6218. We welcome the opportunity to work with your student and ask that you please remind them to monitor their GU e-mail for important SWS communications!!