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Community Work-Study Program

The Office of Student Conduct and Community Engagement values the partnerships and relationships with our community partners. In order for our students to enhance their collegiate experience, they are encouraged to go beyond the gates of TAMIU, network with the community, and give back. Since 2016, the Community Work Study Program (CWS) provides federal and state financial aid eligible students the opportunity to work part-time at non-profit organizations that serve the public interest.

Goals of this program include:

  • Develop interest in public service through employment with TAMIU and be assigned to local non-profit, government, or community-based organizations.
  • Apply skills and theories gained through coursework to solve problems and explore issues outside the classroom.
  • Enhance career competencies, such as critical thinking, work ethic, teamwork, communication, and leadership.
  • Articulate how experiences will shape personal, academic, and professional pursuits.

Frequently Asked Questions

At TAMIU, internships are defined as a form of experiential learning, offering students with real-world experience to apply their knowledge and transfer learned skills, with direct supervision by professionals.

Accordingly, we are following the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) suggested internship requirements, which include:

  • A learning experience with a real-world opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom. It must not be simply to advance the operations of the employer or replace the work that a regular employee would routinely perform.

  • Learned skills and knowledge that are transferable to other employment settings.

  • A defined beginning and end that is mutually agreed upon and consistent with institutional sponsor guidelines and schedules.

  • A position description with clear responsibilities and required/desired qualifications.

  • Clearly defined learning objectives/goals supportive of the student’s academic program goals and institutional requirements.

  • Direct supervision by a professional(s) with relevant expertise and educational and/or professional experience who provides productive feedback, guidance, and the resources and equipment necessary to successfully complete the assignment.

In addition, TAMIU emphasizes that internships should include reflection to connect learning and application in a professional environment.

Internships include paid and unpaid experiences.

  • Be eligible for College Work-Study.
  • Submit a Work-Study Application.
  • Be a full-time student taking a minimum of 12 credit hours in the Fall and Spring semesters.
  • Be willing to work with the organization during both the Fall and Spring semesters.
  • Have a great work ethic, professional attitude, and willingness to learn.

CWS staff will review your job application and resume. After reviewing your resume, a CWS staff member will contact you to schedule an interview. If you are chosen as the selected candidate, you will receive an email from the Office of Human Resources.

  • Workplace etiquette, professionalism, and appropriate attire is expected.
  • Agencies, generally understaffed, depend on your reliability and consistency with your regular work schedule.
  • You will be required to attend 3-4 professional development trainings (1 hour, paid) each semester of employment.

What is my commitment and how will I be paid?

You will work a maximum of 15-19 hours per week at $10.00 per hour. You will determine your weekly work schedule with your supervisor.

Current Signature Partners

  1. Altus Hospice

  2. American Red Cross Serving Central and South Texas

  3. Azteca Economic Development Corporation

  4. Casa de Misericordia

  5. Catholic Charities Diocese of Laredo

  6. Children's Advocacy Center of Laredo-Webb County

  7. Diocese of Laredo

  8. Girl Scouts of Greater South Texas

  9. Lake Casa Blanca International State Park/Texas Parks and Wildlife

  10. Laredo Animal Protective Society

  11. Laredo Area Community Foundation

  12. Laredo Crime Stoppers

  13. Laredo Film Society

  14. Laredo Immigrant Alliance

  15. Laredo International Fair & Exposition

  16. Laredo Main Street

  17. Laredo Regional Food Bank

  18. Literacy Volunteers of Laredo

  19. Mercy Ministries of Laredo

  20. Mexican Cultural Institute of Laredo

  21. MileOne

  22. MOVE Texas

  23. NeighborWorks Laredo

  24. Next Gen America

  25. Rio Grande International Study Center

  26. Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center

  27. South Texas Food Bank

  28. Southwest Key Programs: Las Promesas de Laredo

  29. Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos

  30. United Way of Laredo Inc.

  31. Voz de Niños

  32. Washington's Birthday Celebration Association

Apply for Partnership TAMIU!

Collaborating with TAMIU as a Signature Partner provides many incentives for your agency! Launched in Fall 2014, Partnership TAMIU is a nomination-based community engagement agreement designed to enhance existing relationships between TAMIU and external agencies by: helping community partners to meet its agency's mission and goals, promote the exchange of resources between the University and community agency, and exhibit a commitment to social responsibility by address issues of public concern. The selected Signature Partners sign a two-year Memorandum of Agreement with TAMIU for exclusive collaborative efforts.

For more information on Partnership TAMIU, please visit https://www.tamiu.edu/scce/cea.shtml.

If you have questions about the TAMIU Community Work-Study Program, please contact Priscilla A. Cadena at PriscillaA.Cadena@tamiu.edu or at 956.326.2286.

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