Work a summer or part-time job during the academic year while contributing to your community through Community Service Work-Study (CSWS)!
Summer CSWS application reminders: 1) First complete the 2026-27 FAFSA2) Then confirm your CSWS eligibility with the Financial Aid Office3) Then complete the SOLO applicationApply online, or email the CSWS Program to learn more and get started!
What is CSWS?
The Community Service Work-Study Program provides academic year and summer employment opportunities for currently enrolled students who receive financial aid at Stanford. It allows them to combine the financial need to work with the personal goal of helping the community.
Eligible students have the freedom to design a service experience in collaboration with a partnering organization. Placements during the academic year are on campus or in the local community. Summer placements can be at qualified organizations anywhere in the United States. Eligible organizations include Non-Profit, 501 c3 organizations, Government Agencies and Native American Tribal organizations.
CSWS is a federally-supported program, co-administered for Stanford by the Haas Center and the Financial Aid Office. Students may work Part-Time during the Academic year. During the Summer, students may work Full-time. These Full-time, quarter-long opportunities are also part of the Cardinal Quarter program.
How does it work?
All work-study students are employed through Stanford University. The federal government and Stanford University cover 90% of the student’s wages and benefits, and the Haas Center contributes the remaining 10%—there is no cost to the partner organization. The Financial Aid Office determines eligibility and the maximum earnings each student is allowed per quarter during the academic year. This wage is subject to change, per University policy.
Am I eligible?
Currently enrolled undergraduate students who have a financial aid package may qualify for CSWS, with the following exceptions:
- International students are not eligible.
- Seniors who are graduating from Stanford are not eligible the summer after their senior year.
All applicants must submit a CSWS authorization form and within a few days, obtain an official email from the Financial Aid Office verifying the student’s approved quarterly amount. This is the official email that verifies your eligibility.
Applications
Apply online through SOLO (make sure you are logged in using your Stanford email)
Where can I get more information?
See the FAQs on the CSWS Resources page, contact a Peer Advisor, or schedule an appointment with CSWS Program Director Yvette Zepeda.
CSWS information sessions are held throughout winter and early spring. Check the Haas Center calendar for upcoming sessions.
Peer advisors
CSWS Peer Advisors are current Stanford students who can help answer your questions about the program. Please email to set up an appointment.
If you have questions, please contact Yvette Zepeda or the CSWS Program.
