Re: Work the Forgotten Resource

Here at SCUP, we utilize up to a dozen University of Michigan work-study students at a time, so we know how valuable they can be to an organization. This article, by Kathy Kurz and Jim Scannell, for University Business magazine, examines the value to students of campus-run work programs that are more than just financial aid. If you're ever asked to plan such a program, this would be a valuable resource for you.

"Work: The Forgotten Resource to Maximize Student Opportunities"

http://www.universitybusiness.com/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=1284

"Handled thoughtfully and creatively, these jobs can provide benefits that go far beyond the dollars earned. For example, they offer students a chance to connect with people on campus. Retention research conducted at many schools finds the influence of $1,000 of on-campus employment on retention is much larger than an equivalent amount of grant support.

In addition, work opportunities can be educationally purposeful or career related, giving students chances to build skills and “marketability” that can help them gain full-time employment after graduation."

"Some institutions are sweetening merit scholarship offers by tying them to research opportunities or other paid internships. Opportunities to work with a faculty member on a research project as an undergraduate—and perhaps even jointly publish findings—can be very attractive to students thinking about graduate or professional school after they complete their undergraduate degree."

The article includes a variety of information and suggestions for program elements.