Creating Transformational Work-Study Experiences at UVA

Meaningful opportunities for UVA's FWS students

A new collaboration among the Provost’s Office, the Career Center, and Enrollment is opening the door to more meaningful experiential learning opportunities for UVA’s Federal Work-Study (FWS) students.

Through the Transformational Federal Work-Study (TFWS) Internship Program, departments can enhance their student employment experience by incorporating structured internship components, helping students build professional skills while deepening their connection to their work.

Support for Supervisors

Supervisors who participate in the TFWS program are eligible to receive stipends of up to $1,000 ($500 per semester) for offering at least one internship through the program. Participants will receive support through training, goal-setting guidance, and structured feedback tools to ensure a smooth and rewarding implementation.

Join the Lunch & Learn

Interested in participating? Join the Career Center for lunch and a conversation about TFWS on November 12, 2025:

• 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Manager Collaboration Session & Lunch

• 1:00 – 2:00 PM: Hands-on V-TOP Module Training

• Location: UVA Career Center

If you can’t make it to the lunch session, you can register for an alternate training or schedule an individual meeting with Career Center staff to discuss how TFWS could enhance your student roles.

For Students

Students participating in TFWS will enroll in a 1-credit UNST course (UNST 3910 or UNST 3920) designed to help them reflect on their experience and connect classroom learning to workplace practice. Courses are offered in both in-person and virtual formats to fit student schedules.

This initiative represents another step toward making student employment at UVA a transformational part of the academic journey—for both students and the departments that support them.