Summary: This bill would reauthorize and expand the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program by increasing funding; prioritizing work-based learning; updating the allocation formula based on Pell Grant enrollment and student need; requires dedicating specified amounts to students with exceptional need, work-based learning, and community service; prevents using earned funds less than $2,500 for cost of attendance; and inform eligible students of SNAP benefits. It would also create a pilot grant program to build work-based learning positions; surveys for students with work-study, employers of students, and each institution that participates in FWS that are collected in a portal; a report to Congress every four years on the program and recommendations; and would require the GAO to conduct a study.
Background: First introduced in 2019 and included in the 115th Congress’ Aim Higher Act, this bill has not received widespread organizational support. This bill would support the 6,948 students awarded work-study at UC San Diego in the 2022-23 academic year and increase the $21.5 million in FWS funds the University of California received for the year as of October 2025.
Organizations in Support: Young Invincibles
Recommendation: Support. Reauthorizing and expanding the Federal Work-Study program would allow it to support more than the existing 600,000 students at over 3,400 campuses across the country.
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