Federal Work-Study and America Reads/America Counts Grants

A federal Work-Study grant allows you to earn to earn a portion of your education expenses by working in a work-study designated position part-time (15–16 hours/week on average).

The number of hours you can work depends on your total federal work-study award, your class schedule, and your academic progress. Federal work-study funds awarded are limited by availability of positions, funds, and completion of the interview process.

You will be paid on the 15th of each month, according to the position and the number of hours worked.

Eligibility and Requirements

To qualify or be eligible for consideration for a federal work-study grant and any vacant federal work-study position, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • demonstrated financial need
  • be enrolled in at least six credit hours in an eligible program (for summer, be enrolled in at least one class)
  • hold a high school diploma or GED certificate
  • maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
  • maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
  • possess skills required for position
  • must not be in default on a federal loan

Apply for a Federal Work-Study Position

After your financial aid file is complete (including applying for federal work-study), you have been accepted to the college, and you are awarded federal work-study, you will need to apply for a federal work-study position. 

To search and apply for available federal work-study positions at Central Piedmont, create a profile on the Central Piedmont Human Resources employment website.

  1. Select Search Jobs at Central Piedmont.
  2. On the Search Jobs page, enter Federal Work Study under Keyword or ReqID.
    • You can also limit your search to a specific campus using the Location field.
  3. Click on an available position to review its requirements, functions, and duties.
  4. If interested in position, select the Apply Now button.

If you meet all qualifications, including required skills, GPA, need, etc. and are selected for an interview, a federal work-study supervisor will contact you. If you are recommended for a position:

  • The supervisor will notify the Financial Aid Office.
  • You will receive an email providing links to new hire forms that you will need to complete before you begin working.
  • You will need to contact Human Resources to schedule a new hire appointment.
  • You will need to meet with HR to submit your completed forms. Complete forms under “Part-Time” Employment Forms.”
  • A background check will be conducted.
  • You will be notified of your start date by your federal work-study supervisor.
  • You will sign a federal work-study authorization form.

For more information about these programs, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

America Reads/America Counts

The America Reads/America Counts Grant is a federal work-study program that allows you to earn a portion of your education expenses while gaining work and service experience as a reading (America Reads) or math/science (America counts) tutor for individual children. 

If accepted into the program, you will work at a predetermined elementary school. The volunteer coordinator at the elementary school will supervise you, help you set your schedule, and provide you with direction.

Eligibility and Requirements

  • complete an America Reads Work Study Application (PDF)
  • demonstrated financial need
  • be enrolled at least 6 credit hours in an eligible program
  • hold a high school diploma or GED certificate
  • maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
  • must have completed at least 12 credit hours of coursework at Central Piedmont prior to the eligibility review period (the America Reads eligibility review period is normally prior to the start of the fall semester)
  • possess skills required for position
  • not be in default on a federal loan

If you apply for grants and meet all qualifications, including required skills, GPA, need, etc., you will be notified by mail prior to the start of the fall semester if you have been selected for consideration for the America Reads/Counts programs.

Once you begin working, you will need to complete the Federal Work Study Timesheet (PDF). Have it signed by your site supervisor and returned to the Financial Aid Office on the Central Campus.

Community Service Federal Work-Study

If accepted into the program, you will work at one of our selected community partners (typically, a non-profit in the Charlotte area). If you are accepted as a Community Service federal work-study student, you are expected to:

  • complete a Community Service Federal Work-Study Application (PDF)
  • complete any required application or other information needed by the agency where you are placed
  • keep in contact with your Central Piedmont supervisor
  • provide appropriate contact information (i.e. phone and email)
  • submit to a background check and volunteer screening
  • provide your own transportation
  • submit your time sheets electronically every month through My College and complete the Federal Work Study Timesheet (PDF) so your site supervisor can verify your hours by signing the timesheet. Return the timesheet to the Financial Aid Office on the Central Campus.

For more information or questions about the federal work-study, email Laura Sneddon or call 704.330.2722 ext.3676, or stop by the Financial Aid Office, Parr Center Room 0050 (ground floor) on the Central Campus.