Work programs offer students a double incentive: earning money to help meet college expenses plus gaining valuable job experience. In the competitive job market, employers look for applicants who have work experience with their education.
The Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for eligible students who demonstrate need for such earnings to meet a portion of their educational expenses. Jobs may be located on-campus or off-campus. The employer may be Caltech; a Federal, state or local public agency, (such as Caltech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory - JPL); or a private non-profit organization (such as a community service agency). Caltech continues to place an increased emphasis on placing Federal Work-Study students in community service jobs. Federal Work-Study employees are paid at least the minimum federal wage rate. Federal Work-Study is part of a freshman's financial package for the second and third terms only. Freshmen cannot work first term. The maximum amount of Federal Work-Study wages that students may earn is determined by financial need. To locate a job, the student may contact the campus Career Development Center, check the student newspaper, or contact various departments of interest.
The Caltech Work-Study Program is funded by the Institute to provide part-time employment for international students and others who have demonstrated financial need. This program is limited to work on campus or JPL. The program is designed to parallel the Federal Work-Study program, and the same guidelines apply to its administration.
Student Employment is generally available to all students regardless of whether or not they apply for financial aid. The Caltech Career Development Center is happy to assist students in finding part-time jobs. Undergraduate students must receive approval from the Dean of Students to work more than 16 hours per week. Students typically work an average of 4-10 hours per week.