Work-study program receives $500K infusion, adds more than 200 jobs

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Central Michigan University’s work-study program offered more than 200 additional jobs to students this year after receiving an additional $500,000 in funding from the university.

The 2011-12 school year began with more than 1,400 students enrolled in work-study, which generally accounts for a third of CMU’s student work force. Previous contributions to the program usually amounted to about $600,000, making this year’s extra $500,000 from university administration a substantial increase.

Jon Goodwin, manager of Student Employment Services, said the average pay for students involved in the work-study program is about $7.90 per hour. Goodwin said some of the biggest employers in the work-study program include University Recreation, Facilities Management, the Charles V. Park Library and labs throughout the university.

Goodwin said the additional funding has given an increase to the program unseen in recent years, though the number of students enrolled is hard to estimate as the number fluctuates throughout the school year.

“We’ve hired as many students or more as we ever have this year,” Goodwin said. “It’s great when there’s not as many jobs off-campus for students to go to that we’ve seen in years past.”

Along with the $1.1 million contribution to the CMU work-study program, the university also receives $900,000 in funding for the federal work-study program.

Flint senior Aurielle Wilson has worked at the Charles V. Park Library through a work-study program since August 2010. Wilson said the pay isn’t near enough to contribute to tuition, but the networking opportunities and on-campus location make the job enjoyable.

“I think that working here with a lot of different professionals gives students some networking opportunities,” Wilson said.

Marlette graduate student Alexandria Spinks has been enrolled in the work-study program for a year and a half and said the ability to work on campus is nice for commuting purposes. Spinks began at University Recreation as a lifeguard and has since moved up to student manager of the Student Activity Center.

“It’s definitely nicer to work on-campus, and it’s closer,” Spinks said. “It’s nice to be able to work holiday breaks too and not have to commute back and forth.”

Goodwin said the increased funding for the program has been marvelous and said he hopes students will continue to enroll.

“The work-study program provides a way for students to help cover their college costs and gain valuable experience in the workplace,” Goodwin said. “It’s a great program.”