The community service work-study program at Iowa State provides an opportunity for students to engage in meaningful work experiences to improve the quality of life for community residents, particularly low-income individuals, and solve problems related to the residents’ needs.

Work-study eligible students partner with a non-profit organization to enrich the community while gaining valuable work experiences, networking opportunities, and a paycheck to support their education at Iowa State.

Community Service Partners

Community service partners are found both on campus and off campus. Some examples are listed below.

Off-Campus Partners

  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Ames Community Preschool Center
  • Mainstream Living
  • CyRide
  • Legal Aid of Story County
  • And others

On-Campus Partners

  • Cyclone Cinema
  • Parks Library
  • Memorial Union
  • Veterinary Medical Center
  • And others

Services Provided

The services provided by our partners are designed to assist the community and address the needs of the residents. The list below includes common fields of services provided by the agencies partnered with Iowa State.

  • Health Care
  • Child Care
  • Literacy Training
  • Education
  • Welfare
  • Social Services
  • Transportation
  • Housing and Neighborhood Development
  • Public Safety
  • Crime Prevention and Control
  • Recreation
  • Rural Development
  • Community Improvement
  • Emergency Preparedness and Response

Benefits to Employees

  • Valuable work experience
  • Earn work-study funds, which are exempt from FICA taxes (excluded from income on FAFSA)
  • Work with a non-profit to improve the quality of life in the community
  • Make a difference!