The remainder is from employer matching funds. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for the program, and students can attend an eligible institution full or part-time. The SWS program promotes part-time employment as a means for financially needy students, including those from middle income families, to pay college costs thereby reducing the need to borrow. Wherever possible, students are employed in academically or vocationally relevant placements.
Employers pay students and are partially reimbursed.
The employers' contribution leverages the state's investment and acts to recognize employer contributions in developing meaningful student work experiences. Certain institutions of higher education can also act as employers. Placement priorities include emphasis on off-campus placements, community service placements, and placements that align with Washington's economic development goals. The program also promotes persistence. National research demonstrates that college students who are employed between 10 and 19 hours per week are more likely to persist in their academic programs than nonworking students.