ALAMO COLLEGES: New Work-Study Program Benefits Students, Local Employers

By Press release submission

Dec 17, 2020

Alamo Colleges issued the following announcement.

Beginning in January 2021, local employers can hire Alamo Colleges’ work-study students and have their wages partially paid by the district.

Small businesses will pay 25% of the students’ wages, while large businesses will pay 50%. Alamo Colleges will pay the difference. Interested employers must attend a webinar to get details about becoming a partner: December 10, 9-10 a.m. or December 17, 3-4 p.m. or in January 2021. For webinar links, go to www.alamo.edu/PWS and click on the Private-Sector Partner Page button.

“Our students eligible for the federal work-study program can now earn-and-learn in the private sector through relevant work experiences,” said Alamo Colleges’ Chancellor Dr. Mike Flores. “Students can enrich their academic knowledge, gain real-world experience and improve their job prospects after graduation. Employers gain a part-time employee with supplemented wages and play a significant role in the education of aspiring professionals,” he added.

Eligible partners include employers who need part-time employees majoring in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), advanced manufacturing and logistics (including industrial trades), health and biosciences and from other selected fields of study.

Partnering employers will:

Determine the position(s) to be offered, the number of hours worked per week (10-19 hours), and the hourly pay rate ($12.50 minimum)
Post position(s) in the work-study job bank
Review resumes and cover letters
Interview candidates and make job offers
Commit to a student’s employment per semester (they may rehire the student for subsequent semesters)
Accommodate students’ academic schedule and activities
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students may work remotely or on-site with proper adherence to local public health safety protocols.

The Alamo Colleges will: