America Reads work-study employment

In an effort to increase the reading proficiency among America’s youth, the Presidential Administration of William J. Clinton launched the “America Reads Challenge” with one major objective: to have all children reading well and independently by the end of third grade. Western Michigan University accepted the challenge, and works with local schools to provide reading tutors to elementary school students. If you would like to earn work-study funds by becoming a reading tutor, please contact Career and Student Employment Services at 269 387-2725.

Read on to learn how you can obtain a work-study award and find employment. Then, stay on course with these tutor guidelines. You can also find frequently accessed documents here.

Obtain a work-study award

• Complete the FAFSA indicating interest in work-study. Monitor your progress using the financial aid checklist.
• Regularly check your WMU email account. That is where you will receive important communication about the status of your financial aid file and awards.
• Review your Financial Aid Award Letter on GoWMU. Verify receipt of work-study award.
• If you would like to receive work-study during Summer 1 or Summer 2 you must complete a separate application(s). The Summer 1 application will be available February 15, each year, and the Summer 2 application will be available April 1, each year. Find the applications here.

 

Find employment

• For assistance please logon to the University’s job search tool, Bronco Jobs. Many student find unique opportunities by talking with campus staff, instructors and other students. For personal assistance with your America Reads job search, please contact Career & Student Employment Services, Room 1401 Ellsworth Hall, or call 269 387-2725.
• Off-campus America Reads tutoring sites must sign an agreement with WMU before they employ students using WMU work-study programs. Contact Career & Student Employment Services, 1401 Ellsworth Hall, or call 269 387-2725 for further information about off-campus America Reads tutoring sites and agreements.  
• Notify your employer that you have a work-study award. In order to confirm the type and amount of your work-study award, your interviewer may ask for a copy of your award letter. You may always view and print your financial aid award letter using GoWMU.
• Plan your work schedule with your supervisor. The number of hours you may work can be determined using the following calculator:

Convert your award to hours per week
Instructions: Enter the dollar amount of your award, enter your hourly pay rate, and press the "=" button. Do not add dollar signs or commas. Please note - this calculator assumes you are working all pay periods assigned to the term. You may be able to work more hours per week if your employment begins late.
Fall or Spring	$ Your award	/	Hourly pay rate	/	18Weeks		Hours per week
SU1 or SU2	$ Your award	/	Hourly pay rate	/	8Weeks		Hours per week
Updated: 08/29/2012 10:52 AM