The Pennsylvania State Work-Study Program (SWSP) is a pioneering initiative that empowers students, supports local economies, and shapes the future workforce. By providing need-based, part-time employment opportunities, the SWSP bridges the gap between education and industry, benefiting both students and employers.
How the SWSP Benefits Students
- Financial Assistance: Earn money to help pay for educational expenses
- On-the-Job Experience: Gain valuable skills and training in your chosen field
- Increased Employability: Enhance your job prospects after graduation
- Retaining Talent: Encourages students to seek employment in Pennsylvania, contributing to the state’s economic growth
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals in your industry
- Time Management: Develop essential skills balancing work and study
How the SWSP Benefits Employers
- Shaping Future Workforce: Influence the training and development of future employees
- Reimbursement Incentives: Receive up to 50% reimbursement of student earnings
- Flexibility: Control over job positions, wages, hours, and duration of participation
- Access to Skilled Talent: Tap into a pool of motivated and skilled students
- Community Engagement: Contribute to the development of your local community
- Diverse Workforce: Foster a diverse and inclusive work environment
Eligibility and Participation
Most organizations are eligible to participate in the program. To participate in the SWSP, organizations must be located in Pennsylvania and be one of the following:
- A federal, state, or local government agency
- A public school district
- A nonprofit organization
- A for-profit organization
- A postsecondary institution
Participating organizations must also ensure:
- Employment or work conditions comply with all federal, state, and local laws.
- SWSP students are paid 100 percent of their earnings for hours worked minus federal, state, and local taxes.
- The placement of a SWSP student does not displace regular employees (including those laid off or on strike) or interfere with existing contracts.
- SWSP job opportunities are in the public interest and not limited to the internal interests of the organization. Work is in the public interest if the work performed contributes to the general welfare of the community.
If your organization is interested in participating in the SWSP or want to learn more about this opportunity, check out our SWSP Funding Opportunities page for students or the SWSP Employer page.
