Community Work-Study Mentorship and Internship Program
Understanding Work-Study Eligibility at UTEP
According to the University of Texas at El Paso’s Office of Student Financial Aid, Work-Study is a need-based financial aid program that provides part-time employment opportunities to eligible students. These positions help students earn income to support their educational expenses while gaining valuable work experience.
Eligibility for Work-Study is determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . Students must complete and submit their FAFSA at . Once reviewed, students will receive a financial aid package from UTEP’s Office of Student Financial Aid, which will indicate whether they have been awarded Work-Study eligibility. Students can also verify work-study eligibility on a semester basis.
It is important to note that students must have received Work-Study eligibility before applying for a position through the Community Work-Study Program . While this eligibility is a prerequisite, there are additional program-specific requirements outlined in this guide that must be met to secure and maintain a placement. Each internship location has its own guide of requirements for an intern; however, we highly recommend and encourage students who are interested in community and civic engagement to apply!
What is the Community Work-Study Program?
The Community Work-Study (CWS) Program is coordinated by the UTEP Center for Community Engagement (CCE) . It is designed to connect Work-Study eligible students with local nonprofit and community-based organizations through service-oriented and project-based internships.
Students are matched with community partners based on their interests, academic goals, and career aspirations. These organizations act as mentor host sites , offering meaningful work opportunities that align with their mission while supporting the student’s development.
The primary goal of the program is to foster mutually beneficial partnerships :
- For students: hands-on experience, professional skill-building, and a deeper connection to the El Paso community.
- For organizations: dedicated support on mission-driven projects and a meaningful role in mentoring emerging professionals.
Both students and organizations are invited to apply annually to participate in this collaborative, high-impact program that promotes civic learning and leadership.