VA Work-Study

Program Overview

The VA Work-Study Program is an excellent opportunity for student veterans, service members, and eligible dependents using VA education benefits to gain hands-on experience while earning extra income. This program allows participants to contribute to the success of the Office of Military and Veterans' Services (OMVS) and Fordham University.

At OMVS, our VA Work-Study students play a crucial role in enhancing veteran support services. They assist with outreach, event coordination, administrative tasks, volunteering, and providing hands-on peer support to fellow veterans. This experience not only helps develop professional skills but also strengthens the veteran community on campus. Our VA work-study students are strategically placed in various offices throughout the school to ensure that veterans can find support outside of the Vet Center. 

Eligibility

Student veterans interested in the VA Work-Study program must meet the following requirements:

  • You’re enrolled at least 3/4-time in a college degree, vocational school, or professional program, and
  • You can finish the work-study contract while you still qualify for education benefits and
  • You’re using an approved VA education benefits program to pay for your education or training

Our VA Work-Study students represent the Vet Center and the veteran community at Fordham. In addition to the standard program requirements, student veterans must agree to complete the following each term:

  • Attend three OMVS and SVAF-sponsored events, including at least one on a Saturday.
  • Complete 15 hours of community service.
  • Maintain good academic standing.
  • Carry out all assigned roles and responsibilities with professionalism and accountability.

VA Work-Study students must fulfill these requirements each term they participate in the program. Failure to meet these expectations will result in removal from the VA Work-Study program and ineligibility for future participation. 

Applying

If you are still interested in participating in the VA Work-Study program, you can contact Assistant Director Adrian Kochanowicz ([email protected]) only if:

Your request for certification of benefits will be verified by the Worksite Supervisor. Applications from students whose information cannot be verified will be rejected. 

Application Deadline

  • Fall Semester
    • September 15th
  • Spring Semester
    • January 15th

Payment

The VA Work-Study program pays either the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour or the state’s minimum wage, whichever is higher. As of now, the minimum wage in New York is $17 per hour.

Bottom Line 

All VA Work-Study students will be assigned a defined role within the SVAF. The organization operates as a collective enterprise—its effectiveness depends entirely on the team’s consistency, accountability, and effort. Students who fail to meet the expectations of their assigned roles will be removed from the work-study program.