Earn While You Learn: Work-Study & Community Service Jobs
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program provides eligible undergraduate students with part-time jobs to help cover educational expenses. Work-study is a need-based program, meaning eligibility is determined by your FAFSA, your Student Aid Index (SAI), and other factors like your Cost of Attendance (COA). Funds are limited.
- Awards are not guaranteed. Any changes to your enrollment and other types of financial aid could impact your eligibility. Funding is limited, and not all eligible students will receive work-study.
- Work-study earnings are not applied to your bill. You receive a paycheck based on the hours you work.
| WORK-STUDY VS COMMUNITY SERVICE | |
|---|---|
| Federal Work-Study (FWS): | Jobs may be on-campus or off-campus in various roles, such as administrative work, research, or general student employment. |
| Federal Community Service Work-Study: | A subset of FWS where students work off-campus at nonprofit organizations or public agencies in roles that give back to the community. Examples include tutoring, literacy programs, and other service-oriented positions. |
How it works:
- Accept your award to participate
- Find a work-study placement through available on-campus or community service job listings
- Earn up to the amount awarded, paid biweekly
- Wages are based on hours worked—not applied directly to your bill
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Eligibility
See if you meet the eligibility criteria for Work-Study:
- Must be an undergraduate student
- Must be registered at least half-time (6 credits)
- Must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Must have unmet financial need as determined by the FAFSA
Check if “Federal College Work-Study” is listed as part of your financial aid awards on your myVILLE Student Portal under Finances > Financial Aid Awards. If Work-Study is not listed, you can contact the Office of Financial to see if you are eligible. Work study funds are awarded based on availability.
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Application Process
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Direct Deposit & E-Time Information
Work-Study earnings are not applied to your bill. Instead, you will receive a paycheck to use for expenses like books, supplies, or personal costs.
Most students earn $9.50 per hour (Millersville’s minimum wage) and are paid every two weeks based on the hours they work.
Sign Up for Direct Deposit
To be paid, students must sign up for direct deposit to have their paycheck directly deposited into their bank account.
Direct Deposit Sign up Information (Requires login)
E-Time
- Time worked must be entered in E-Time and must be confirmed by both the student and the job supervisor, and submitted to the Office of Financial Aid, biweekly, by Friday at 4:00 pm.
- Student work hours are limited to thirty (30) hours per week (60 hours per pay period).
- When you accept a position, it is your responsibility to adhere to the work schedule you agree upon. Notify your supervisor as early as possible if you cannot come to work or will be late. If you decide to stop working, you must give your present supervisor(s) two (2) weeks written notice.
- Time in E-Time submitted late will be processed for the subsequent pay period. Please refer to the pay schedule. The Office of Financial Aid will verify the hours with the supervisor.
- The Office of Financial Aid will not accept hours worked beyond the last week of classes each semester.
- The Office of Financial Aid will monitor College Work-Study funds and contact the student once funds are exhausted. Students are also responsible for keeping track of their allocated Work-Study funds via their myVILLE Portal under Finances > Financial Aid Awards.
- If you withdraw from the University for any reason, your employment will be terminated. You cannot continue to work on student payroll when you are no longer a student.
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WORK STUDY RESOURCES & FORMS
Click on the link provided below for a payroll schedule and other resources for student employees.
Student Employment Resources (Requires login)
Click on the link below to download the Community Service Learning Agreement.
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LIST OF CURRENT APPROVED ORGANIZATIONS
Looking for a meaningful way to gain experience while making a difference? Explore the opportunities below and find a role that matches your skills and passions!
Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation
Passionate about wildlife and animal care? Join Acorn Acres as an Animal Care/Rehabilitation Assistant and make a real impact! In this hands-on role, you'll:
- Clean enclosures, prepare diets & formulas, and hand-feed infant & juvenile patients
- Assist with patient intakes, medical treatments, and transporting animals to vet appointments & releases
- Engage with the public and assist with educational programming to raise awareness
Be a part of their mission to care for and rehabilitate animals in need!
Contact Info Placement Address: 2100 Stone Mill Road, Lancaster, PA 17603 Contact Person: Betsy Shank Contact Email: info@AcornAcresWR.com Telephone: (717) 327-4811 Website: https://www.acornacreswr.com/
Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster (BGCL)
Are you looking for an opportunity to mentor, inspire, and empower youth while gaining real-world experience? The Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster is looking for passionate, energetic students for a variety of positions!
Available Positions:
- STEM Internship – Lead hands-on STEM activities that build problem-solving, critical thinking, and curiosity.
- Arts Internship – Facilitate age-appropriate art activities that encourage creativity and self-expression.
- Mentorship Internship – Build one-on-one relationships with students and provide guidance & support.
- Literacy Internship – Assist students in improving literacy skills and boosting confidence.
- Sports Internship – Train, motivate, and track progress for youth athletes in a fun, supportive environment.
Contact Info Placement Address: Various Locations throughout Lancaster Contact Person: Karen Schloer Contact Email: kschloer@bgclanc.org Telephone: (717) 295-3474 Ex 4704 Website: https://bgclanc.org/
Bench Mark Program
Make a real difference and gain valuable experience as a mentor with the Bench Mark Program. In this role, you’ll:
- Provide homework help and tutoring
- Assist with job searching and resume writing
- Guide students through fitness training and goal setting
This is a great way to enrich your college experience while helping others.
Contact Info Placement Address: 102 S Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 Contact Person: Witt Welch Contact Email: wittwelch@benchmarkprogram.org Telephone: (717) 339-9766 Website: https://www.benchmarkprogram.org/
Campus Cupboard/The HUB
Passionate about fighting food insecurity and gaining hands-on experience? The HUB is looking for dedicated interns to:
- Oversee the food pantry and help manage operations
- Communicate updates through news and social media
- Plan and execute impactful events on campus
This role offers a chance to make a tangible impact while boosting your professional skills and experience!
Contact Info Placement Address: 121 North George Street, Millersville, PA 17551 Contact Person: Vicki Weber Contact Email: weber.vicki@gmail.com Telephone: (774) 313-7812 Website: https://www.hubmu.org/
Millersville University - McNairy Library & Learning Forum
Join the Francine G. McNairy Library as a student worker and be part of a vibrant, learner-centered community! Responsibilities include:
- Enjoy hands-on training and collaborate with fellow students while connecting people with ideas and information
- Acquire materials and manage library resources
- Digitize documents and support online research
- Provide customer service to students & faculty
Whether you're looking to enhance your skills or make a meaningful impact, this is your opportunity to grow and inspire. Apply now and be a vital part of the library family!
Contact Info Placement Address: 9 North George Street, Millersville, PA, 17551 Contact Person: Ramie Millar, Ash Sherman, Gemma Bryant, and Kim Auger Contact Email: Ramie.Millar@millersville.edu, Ashley.Sherman@millersville.edu, Gemma.Bryant@millersville.edu, or Kimberly.Auger@millersville.edu Telephone: (717) 871-7110 Website: http://library.millersville.edu/home
The Mix—afterschool program
Contact Info Placement Address: 520 North St., Lancaster, PA 17602 Contact Person: Joseph Mobley Contact Email: jmobley@themixlancaster.org Telephone: 717-393-1523 Website: https://themixlancaster.org/
Lancaster County Food Hub
Make a meaningful impact in your community with the Lancaster County Food Hub! Whether you're passionate about storytelling, social media, or hands-on service, there’s a place for you on this mission-driven team.
Opportunities include:
- Social Media & Communications – Create engaging content, support major fundraising campaigns, and help tell the Food Hub’s story through video, photos, and digital strategy
- Food & Clothing Operations – Assist with food distribution, greet and register clients, sort donations, and support day-to-day logistics
- Specialized Roles – Support seniors, help with events, assist with admin tasks, or lend your green thumb to outdoor spaces
Help create lasting change in your community and grow professionally by serving alongside a caring and dedicated team!
Contact Info Placement Address: 812 N. Queen St., Lancaster, PA 17603 Contact Person: Erin Conahan Contact Email: econahan@lcfoodhub.org Telephone: (717) 690-8056 Website: https://lancasterfoodhub.org/
Lone Oak Animal-Assisted Therapeutic & Educational Services
Do you love working with animals and kids? Lone Oak is looking for enthusiastic:
- Animal Care Specialists – Feed, groom, and care for therapy animals
- Client Support Specialists – Assist licensed therapists in engaging with clients
If you're resourceful, eager to learn, and excited to be part of a community-focused environment, this is a perfect opportunity for you!
Contact Info Placement Address: 230 Holtzman Road, Reinholds, PA 17569 Contact Person: Abigail Wilson and Heather Girvin Contact Email: Abigail.Wilson@millersville.edu and Heather.Girvin@millersville.edu Telephone: (717) 917-6110 Website: https://www.loneoaktherapeutic.org/
The Arc Lancaster Lebanon
Make a meaningful impact by supporting youth and families in two fun, community-centered programs! Arc Academy & SibTalk are looking for enthusiastic, reliable team members who enjoy helping people connect, learn, and grow. Experience working with individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and/or Autism is welcome—but not required. If you’re patient, positive, and excited to foster inclusive spaces, this is a great opportunity for you!
What you’ll do:
- Support participants during group discussions and presentations
- Model engagement by joining in activities and help facilitating activities
- Assist with setup and greeting families
Help foster connection and community while gaining hands-on experience in a supportive environment!
Contact Info Placement Address: 116 W Airport Road, Suite A, Lititz, PA 17543 Contact Person: Ian Gebhard Contact Email: ian@thearclancleb.org Telephone: (717) 394-5251 ext. 107 Website: https://www.thearclancleb.org/
The Edible Classroom
Help inspire kids to grow, learn, and explore the outdoors! As a Garden Educator Intern, you’ll lead elementary students in gardening activities, teach simple curriculum-based lessons, and help prepare fresh garden snacks.
You’ll gain hands-on nonprofit experience, teaching skills, and insight into garden-based education. Make a meaningful impact, grow your skills, and help cultivate the next generation of environmental stewards!
Contact Info Placement Locations: Onsite in elementary schools throughout Lancaster County Contact Person: Angie Martin Contact Email: angie@theedibleclassroom.org Website: https://theedibleclassroom.org/
United Way of Lancaster County
Want to learn by doing—and help your community at the same time? United Way of Lancaster County is seeking interns to support projects that improve lives across Lancaster County.
You’ll have the opportunity to:- Work with our collaborative team to advance projects that address community needs around education, health, economic mobility, and strengthening nonprofit organizations.
- Play a key role in donor outreach by assisting with meaningful communications that help fuel our mission.
- Build real-world skills in data management by working directly in our CRM system to support relationship-building and reporting.
Contact Info Placement Locations: 1910 Harrington Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601 Contact Person: Joel Janisewski Contact Email: jjanisewski@uwlanc.org Telephone: (717) 824-8120 Website: https://www.uwlanc.org
Homefields
Interested in hands-on, outdoor work and learning about sustainable food systems? Homefields is seeking reliable, motivated students to join the team as Farmhands!
As a Farmhand, you’ll help support daily farm operations by:
- Seeding, planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops under staff guidance
- Maintaining barns, greenhouses, fields, and common areas through cleaning and organization
- Assisting with greenhouse seeding, field preparation, and seasonal crop care
- Helping prepare and organize harvests for shareholder pick-up (May–November)
- Cleaning and maintaining farm tools and equipment while following safety guidelines
- Contributing to a positive, respectful work environment for staff, students, and visitors
This role is a great fit for students who are flexible, dependable, and eager to learn. You’ll gain practical agricultural experience while working independently and as part of a supportive team.
Contact Info Placement Locations: PO Box 41, 150 Letort Road, Millersville, PA 17551 Contact Person: Allison Hawthorne Contact Email: allison@homefields.org Telephone: (717)-332-7676 Website: https://www.homefields.org/ -
LIST OF PAST APPROVED ORGANIZATIONS
Any past Organization who wishes to participate again, should contact the Office of Financial Aid via email at Fa.Mail@millersville.edu to discuss participation options.
Aaron’s Acres
Organization Information Placement Address: 1861 Charter Lane Suite 114, Lancaster, PA 17601 Website: https://aaronsacres.org/
All Football Club Lancaster Lions corporation
Organization Information Placement Address: 81 Longfellow Drive, Lancaster, PA 17602 Website: https://all-football-club-lancaster-lions-corporation.square.site/
Center for civic responsibility and leadership (CCRL)
Organization Information Placement Address: 8 South George Street, Millersville, PA 17551 Website: https://www.millersville.edu/collegecenters/ccrl/
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING & cAREER MANAGEMENT (ELCM)
Organization Information Placement Address: 12 South George Street, Millersville, PA 17551 Website: https://www.millersville.edu/elcm/
Healthy Beginnings - Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health
Organization Information Placement Address: 531 N. Lime St Lancaster, PA 17602 Website: https://www.pennmedicine.org/supporting-our-communities/supporting-populations-specialized-needs/healthy-beginnings
Lancaster Science Factory
Organization Information Placement Address: 454 New Holland Ave, Lancaster, PA 17602 Website: https://www.lancastersciencefactory.org/
The school district of Lancaster
Organization Information Placement Address: 251 S Prince St., Lancaster PA 17603 Website: https://sdlancaster.org/