America Reads/America Counts for Students

Western Michigan University works with local schools to provide reading and math tutors to elementary school students. If you would like to earn Federal Work-study funds by becoming a tutor, please contact Career and Student Employment Services at (269) 387-2745.

Tutor guidelines

America Reads tutor agreement

America Counts tutor agreement

Obtain a work-study Offer

  • Complete the FAFSA indicating interest in Federal Work-study. Monitor your progress using the financial aid checklist.
  • Regularly check your WMU email. That is where you will receive important communication about the status of your financial aid file and offers.
  • Review your financial aid offer letter on goWMU. Verify receipt of Federal Work-study offer.
  • If you would like to receive Federal Work-study during Summer I or Summer II, you must complete a separate application - available each Spring semester on our Forms page. 

Find employment

  • For assistance please visit Handshake. Many students find unique opportunities by talking with campus staff, instructors and other students. For personal assistance with your America Reads/America Counts job search, please contact Career and Student Employment Services at (269) 387-2745.
  • Off-campus America Reads/America Counts tutoring sites must sign an agreement with WMU before they employ students using WMU Federal Work-study programs. Please contact Career and Student Employment Services for more information.
  • Notify your employer that you have a Federal Work-study offer. In order to confirm the type and amount of your Federal Work-study offer, your interviewer may ask for a copy of your offer letter. You may always view and print your financial aid offer letter using goWMU.
  • Plan your work schedule with your supervisor. Please note, the calculations assume you are working all pay periods assigned to the semester/session.

Fall or Spring

Your offer amount / Hourly pay rate / 18 weeks = hours per week.

Summer l or Summer ll

Your offer amount / Hourly pay rate / 8 weeks = hours per week.