Work Study at SPS gives college students experience in their field

Spokane Public Schools staff are always looking for ways to introduce career options to students by providing access to hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for the workforce.

And we provide similar opportunities for non-students as well.

Last year, Andrew Kendys was an SPS student. He moved from Ukraine to Spokane two years ago and received his diploma from Ferris High School in June 2023. He enrolled at Spokane Falls Community College last fall and was eligible for a Work Study position through his government-funded financial aid award.

Both federal and state-funded Work Study programs allow students to work part-time to support their education expenses. While many college students may have an on-campus job, Work Study positions can also be held at nonprofits and public agencies, like school districts.

SPS Student Services specialist Christal Raver coordinates with local universities and community colleges to find positions for students, and posts SPS job opportunities on their job board platforms. Students who are hired must be cleared by Human Resources and attend employee orientation like any new hire, and the district is reimbursed for 70% of their total wages.

There are approximately 20-40 Work Study students working in various schools and district departments throughout recent school years, although the positions were almost doubled pre-COVID.

“Every year, they are slowly coming back,” Christal said.

She considers several factors when placing students in a position.

“Location is a big part of placement, since many students don’t have transportation. I try to place them close to their college or their home address,” she said.

“I also ask what they are studying in hopes that I can place them in their field of study, which looks great on a resume and gives them experience in their field of study,” she added. They may be placed as a tutor or classroom assistant if they’re interested in teaching, or in a department related to their field, like accounting or technology.

Andrew is studying nursing, with the goal of transferring to Washington State University’s nursing program after graduating from SFCC. Health care is a bit of a family tradition; his great-grandmother was a doctor, and his grandmother was a nurse. He hopes to eventually become a nurse anesthetist to care for patients during surgical procedures.

Knowing his interest, Christal placed him as Nursing Assistant at Yasuhara Middle School. He supports the school’s nurse three times a week, making sure ice packs and supplies are stocked, and helps other staff if extra hands or support are needed.

“It’s a good experience,” Andrew said, noting that the work will enhance his resume and WSU application someday.

He also gets to learn from Nurse Colleen Connell as she attends students’ health care needs, and has been able to contribute to supporting students if they are feeling anxious when visiting the health room.

“It’s an amazing feeling when you can help someone,” he said.