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 www.fafsa.gov. 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.