Administrators at four-year public and private colleges with a commitment to community service may be interested in applying for the Work Colleges Program.
The Department of Education recently published an Electronic Announcement outlining the application process for colleges interested participating in the Work Colleges Program for the 2025-26 award year.
The Work Colleges Program, which is under the Federal Work Study Program, focuses on a commitment to community service at public or private nonprofit, four-year, degree-granting institutions. These institutions must have operated a comprehensive work-learning-service program for at least two years. More details can be found in the FSA Handbook.
New schools interested in participating in the Work Colleges Program for the first time starting in 2025-26 had to apply by November 1, 2024. Returning schools that are currently participating in the program during the 2024-25 award year, must apply by March 3, 3025 by submitting a completed “Institutional Application and Agreement for Participation in the Work Colleges Program” via the COD website.
The Department will notify the school’s Financial Aid Administrator via email in April 2025 if the school’s application and agreement is approved. The 2025-26 Statement of Account will reflect an increase to the FWS Program award.
Questions can be directed to the FSA Partner and School Relations Center at 1-800-848-0978 or via email to CODSupport@ed.gov.
