Work college

Work Colleges are distinctive liberal arts colleges that promote the purposeful integration of work, learning, and service. At a work college all students work regardless of their academic program or their financial need. A Work College is a public or private non-profit, four year degree granting institution of higher learning where student work is an integrated, essential and federally required core component of the educational work-learning-service program.[1] Unlike Federal Work Study which is solely need-based - Work Colleges do not differentiate between those that can afford to pay for their education from those that must work to cover their educational costs. At Work Colleges students are regularly evaluated and assessed on their work performance and can be dismissed from the institution for non-performance in the work program. Students do not have the ability to "buy" their way out of the work requirement. Students perform essential institutional functions in every area imaginable on their campuses and gain a strong sense of ownership and responsibility for their campus community. Student labor enables Work Colleges to be far more operationally efficient and administratively lean (compared to more traditional colleges). This, in turn, contributes to lower operational costs which results in lower – and more affordable - tuition.[2]

Students typically work 8 to 15 hours per week, jobs run the gamut of campus need from teaching assistant-ships, to accounts payable, to IT, to food services, to grounds keeping, to plumbing, public relations, campus safety etc. Work Colleges share the belief that the integration of work-learning-service provides a strong, successful, and relevant model for educating students. Work College graduates are well prepared for today’s challenges; students not only receive a top-notch education but graduate well prepared with real work “know how” and multiple skill sets. Work college graduates are highly dependable and accountable, they are critical thinkers and problem solvers. They understand how to work with people different from themselves, enabling them to confront and take on issues that make a difference. They are sought after by employers as they recognize the value of community and understand how to work toward solutions. Work Colleges strive to educate the whole person; their graduates are responsible and thoughtful citizens.

Currently, here are only seven Work Colleges in the nation that meet the federal definition and guidelines for operation, as overseen by the U.S. Department of Education.

References

  1. ↑ "Title: 34 Education Subpart C-Work Colleges Program". eCFR Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. US Government Publishing Office.
  2. ↑ The United States federal government definition of Work College, Title 34 § 675.41, from GPO Electronic Code of Federal Regulations

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