Community Service Learning

Community Service Learning (CSL) is a partnership between UNI and community nonprofit organizations. Qualified students work at off-campus positions while earning Federal Work-Study funds. Students who originally do not have Federal Work-Study on their award, may still qualify for Community Service Learning.

Nonprofit organizations are responsible for 25% of the earnings. A normal Federal Work-Study award is $2,500. The maximum amount an agency would be responsible for is $625. The non-profit organization will pay the student in full and be reimbursed by UNI for 75% of those earnings each month.

Benefits to Students

Students gain valuable work experience.
Paid via non-profit organization.
The work performed is in the public interest. It improves the quality of life for the community.

Benefits to Nonprofit Organization

Employers pay only 25% of the wages earned.
Students enrich the agencies by bringing with them the latest information and practices in their fields of study.

UNI student playing a game outside with a group of children

How CSL Works

Off-campus agencies can advertise for positions through UNI Career Services: How to Post a Job.
The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships can determine which students qualify for Federal Work-Study.
The agency interviews and selects student(s) for the position.
The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships awards Federal Work-Study to eligible student employees.

Students currently working for an organization may also qualify. Contact our office to determine if a student qualifies.

Information for Agencies

Nonprofit Employer Responsibilities

Pay 25% of students’ federal work-study earning and 100% of any earnings over students’ work-study earning paid by UNI.
Communicate with Work-Study Coordinator on employee terminations in a timely manner.
Submit monthly paystubs to the Work-Study Coordinator.

How to Post to Job Board