The most notable difference is work. All resident students at work colleges are required to work every semester for all four years of enrollment. Students work limited hours and gain valuable hands-on work experience while working alongside other students and the faculty and staff work supervisors. The work program on each campus is distinctive and designed to meet campus operational needs and work assignments complement relevant coursework, if possible. Service to campus and the broader community is also integral to the WCC approach. There are hundreds of different campus positions, from food service to the president’s office, from information systems services to finance and accounting, from being a teaching assistant (TA) to working on the college farm. Work College students do it all and they are essential to the daily operations of each campus. Importantly, through the work program, students gain valuable work experience and earn money helping to reduce the cost of tuition. Several colleges provide work / labor grants that fully cover the cost of tuition.
While enhancing the collegiate experience, work colleges help reduce student debt. And student Work Programs excel at cultivating career-ready qualities like responsibility and work ethic. Work assignments can support and complement a student’s field of study. Work positions also introduce students to new opportunities including student-powered industries involving crafts, hospitality, and sustainable agriculture. Students learn there is value in all types of work.