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Community Service Learning

Community Service Learning

Partner With Us: Community Service Learning Through Federal Work-Study

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Community Service Learning (CSL) program connects local agencies with motivated college students who are eager to make a difference. By partnering with us, your organization can expand its impact while providing students with meaningful, hands-on experience that strengthens communities.

FWS CSL is designed to support organizations like yours that are improving quality of life, addressing community needs, and creating lasting change.

Why partner with the FWS CSL Program?
  • Affordable staffing solution with significant wage subsidies
  • Access to motivated, service-driven students
  • Simple hiring and payroll support through the university
  • Opportunities to shape future professionals in your field
Who can participate?

Eligible partners include:

  • Non-profit organizations
  • Government agencies
  • Community-based organizations
  • Select for-profit agencies engaged in community service work

Organizations must demonstrate a mission to improve residents’ quality of life or address critical community needs.

Sample student roles
  • Math or Reading Tutor
  • Social Worker Assistant
  • Receptionist or Front Desk Support
  • Clerical/Office Assistant
  • Classroom Assistant
  • Theatre Technical Assistant
  • Program or Staff Assistant

Flexible Funding Options

75/25 Cost Share Program

  • Students earn at least $12/hour
  • FWS covers 75% of wages
  • Your agency pays 25% (billed bi-weekly)
  • Available to eligible non-profit and for-profit agencies

FWS Community Service Grant (FWSCSL)

  • Students earn $12/hour
  • FWS covers 90% of wages
  • Grant covers the remaining 10% (no cost to agency)
  • Available to non-profit agencies only
  • Requires a completed Documentation of Need form

FWS Tutoring Program (100% funded)

  • Students earn $15/hour
  • 100% of wages covered by FWS
  • Positions must focus on reading or math tutoring
  • Serving elementary-age children or family literacy programs
  • Agencies must provide training upon hire

How it works

  • Apply Anytime: Applications are accepted year-round, with peak student interest in August
  • Submit Your Request: Contact OU Financial Aid Services to complete the agency application at workstudyprograms@ou.edu
  • We Promote Your Positions: Jobs are posted and applications are forwarded to your team
  • You Hire the Right Students: Your agency selects candidates and makes final hiring decisions
  • OU Handles the Admin: Payroll processed through OU and student onboarding completed by OU HR
  • Supervise & Approve Time: A designated site supervisor reviews and approves timesheets biweekly

Program Details

  • Student pay rates:
    • $12/hour (general CSL positions)
    • $15/hour (tutoring positions)
  • Biweekly payroll managed by OU
  • Agencies cover only their designated wage portion (if applicable)
  • Students do not work during the summer

Contact OU Financial Aid Services today to apply and learn more by emailing workstudyprograms@ou.edu.

Student Financial Center
Buchanan Hall, Room 105
1000 Asp Ave
Norman, OK 73019-4071
Phone: 405-325-9000
Email: sfc@ou.edu

Updated 6/15/2026 by Student Financial Center: sfc@ou.edu