Workforce Ready Kats

About Workforce Ready Kats

The SHSU Workforce Ready Kats or WRK (formerly known as Community Work-Study) program is funded through the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program, administered by the SHSU Office of Financial Aid, and managed by the SHSU Center for Community Engagement (CCE). This federal program provides students with financial need the opportunity to earn their federal aid award through part-time placements to help meet their educational costs. 

The purpose of the WRK program is to actively engage SHSU students and community organizations in a mutually beneficial relationship. Through this program, partner organizations provide college students with the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge while developing valuable workforce skills and dispositions. This program is not intended to function as a part-time job; it is a way for students to earn their financial aid award while giving back to the community. Partner organizations receive support to assist with accomplishing their missions in service of the community.

WRK placements are designed to improve the quality of life for community residents, particularly low-income individuals, or to solve problems related to their needs. 

Placements can include opportunities in fields such as healthcare, childcare, literacy training, education, social services, public safety, crime prevention and control, recreation, rural development, community improvement, and emergency preparedness and response. 

Student Information

You can gain career-relevant skills, knowledge, and experience through a WRK placement. Relevant work experiences can be a meaningful part of your educational journey. Learn about career opportunities and develop professional relationships when you apply textbook knowledge to real-world problems through the WRK program.

Employers hiring college graduates look for applicants who have relevant work experience—start building your professional resume now as a student!

Workforce Ready Kats offers you the opportunity to:

• Earn your Work-Study award through a meaningful placement with a community partner organization including nonprofits, government agencies and school districts.
• Work in a position related to your career field to add to your resume
• Become familiar with the real-world work environment
• Develop career readiness competencies

Community Work-Study Placement Process:

• Apply through the job posting
• Identify preferred placement opportunities
• Interview with CCE

Expectations:

• Be a full-time, degree-seeking student and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.
• Commit to work with the partner organization for a minimum of one semester.
• Work between 10 and 19 hours per week.
• Be reliable, professional, and willing to learn.
• Participate in professional development opportunities