Community-Based Work Study
Contribute to local organizations through your work while learning about community issues and developing professional skills.
Bryn Mawr’s Community-Based Work Study Program is designed to allow you to earn your financial aid awards (work-study funds) through employment at off-campus community service agencies, such as local non-profit organizations and schools.
The program provides students with the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to local organizations through their work while also learning about community issues and developing professional skills.
The Community-Based Work Study program operates during the academic year only.
Explore
The Community-Based Work Study Program allows you to earn work-study funds by working at an off-campus non-profit organization for eight to 12 hours a week.
Students are paid at the BMC Student Employment Level 1 pay rate. Visit the Student Employment webpage. Most organizations are accessible by public transportation, and students in the program will receive 100 percent transportation reimbursement for expenses associated with travel between campus and their work site.
To be part of the program, you must qualify for Federal Work Study funding and be a Senior, Junior, Sophomore, or qualifying First Year.
If you are interested in participating in a community-based Work study, you must submit a completed application to Civic Engagement. Browse through the job descriptions below and indicate your top three choices on the application.
If you have questions about the Community-Based Work Study program, please contact cbws@brynmawr.edu.
Bryn Mawr College’s Community-Based Work Study Program can assist your organization by providing a creative solution to funding for part-time staff.
Students can work between eight and 12 hours/week at your agency on-site.
To be eligible, your organization must:
- Provide for 25 percent of the student’s hourly wage;
- Be engaged in work that directly benefits the community;
- Provide regular supervision with an identified direct supervisor and regular supervision times.
To be considered as a host organization in the Community-Based Work Study program, please complete the Community Partner’s Questionnaire and return it to cbws@brynmawr.edu.
To apply for any jobs posted below, please complete the Bryn Mawr College Community Based Work Study student application and return it to cbws@brynmawr.edu. Please do not contact any of the agencies listed below directly.
If you have any questions, please contact cbws@brynmawr.edu or eesmond@brynmawr.edu.
Open Positions
Brief description of your organization and department:
CEIBA'S MISSION IS TO PROMOTE
THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION OF THE LATINO
COMMUNITY THROUGH COLLABORATIONS AND ADVOCACY AIMED AT
ENSURING THEIR ACCESS TO QUALITY HOUSING
Position Title:
ASSISTANT PROGRAM COORDINATOR FOR CEIBA
Overview of the position:
WORK-STUDY STUDY STUDENT PROVIDES CEIBA WITH
SUPPORT IN ALL FACETS OF ITS OPERATION. STUDENTS HAVE THE
OPPORTUNITY TO WORK ON POLICY MATTERS RELATING TO EQUAL ACCESS
BEFORE THE COURTS AND BEFORE CITY AGENCIES FOR PEOPLE WITH
LIMITED ENGLISH SPEAKING PROFICIENCY. STUDENT ALSO WORK ON
COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: ASSET BUILDING; FREE
TAX PREPARATION FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES AND UNDOCUMENTED
IMMIGRANTS; AND EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT.
Specific Duties: ALL WORK IS REMOTE. DUTIES WILL INCLUDE RESEARCH,
WRITING, DIRECT SERVICES FOR CLIENTS, COORDINATING MEETINGS AND
EVENTS, COMMUNITY ORGANIZING, AND OUTREACH VIA MEDIA AND
GRASSROOTS ACTIVITIES. DURING THE COVID-19 HEALTH EMERGENCY CRISIS,
CEIBA SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED ITS CAPACITY TO PROVIDE REMOTE
SERVICES TO LOW-INCOME FAMILIES.
Qualifications:
STRONG DESIRE TO LEARN AND BE PART OF A DYNAMIC TEAM
WORKING ON BEHALF OF THE POOREST COMMUNITY IN PHILADELPHIA.
Preferred hours, times of day, number of hours per week (may not exceed 12 hours):
REMOTEWORK CAN BE DON AT ANY TIME. CLIENTS ACTUALLY LIKE CEIBA'S
FLEXIBILITY AS WE CAN SERVE THEM OUTSIDE OF THE TRADITIONAL 9 TO 5
WINDOW AND ON WEEKENDS. CEIBA WILL COORDINATE THE ACTIVITIES OF
THE WORK STUDY STUDENT TO MAXIMIZE THEIR LEARNING AND TO ENSURE
THE BEST SERVICE FOR THE COMMUNITY.
Position Title: Community Engagement Intern
Reports to: Director of Community Engagement and Digital Marketing
About Dancing Classrooms Philly (DCP): DCP’s mission is to foster self-esteem, social awareness and joy in children by providing the opportunity to learn and perform ballroom dance. Through our ballroom dance instruction, we help to improve the climate of school communities across the Philadelphia region by building confidence in students, breaking down social barriers, and inspiring respect for all individuals. We envision transformative arts programs in all school communities that nurture creativity, build confidence, and promote a culture of mutual respect and well-being.
About the Position: Since we are a virtual office, this position is best suited for someone who is self-motivated and independent. In order to assist the Director of Community Engagement and Digital Marketing, the candidate must be organized, outgoing, and creative. Primary duties will include helping with virtual events/fundraisers, creating and executing plans to reach millennial and gen-z donors, fostering relationships with existing and potential stakeholders, and crafting content for social media. As time permits, the Community Engagement Intern will also help the Director of Community Engagement and Digital Marketing and/or the Managing Director with various research based projects.
The intern would be required to work 8-10 hours per week. Most of these hours can be completed at their convenience, but they must be available on nights and weekends as needed. (Notice will be given.) The intern must also have some availability during normal business hours (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday) to have virtual meetings with the Director of Community Engagement and Digital Marketing. These virtual meetings can be pre-established or set up on a week by week basis.
Background in dance is a plus
Fundraising experience is a plus
Graphics Design experience is a plus
Photography/Videography experience is a plus
Musicopia, Community Engagement Intern
’21- ‘22
Brief description of your organization and department
Here at Nationalities Service Center (NSC), we believe that immigrants and refugees are a critical part of the fabric of life in the United States, and it is our vision that all immigrants and refugees achieve a life of dignity, safety, stability, sustainable opportunities and meaningful connections to their communities. To this end, NSC provides comprehensive services to immigrants and refugees, including legal protections, community integration, access to health and wellness services, and opportunities to achieve English language proficiency. Our dedicated staff are committed to ensuring that each of our clients receives high-quality holistic care and work together to refer clients to internal and external services based on the individual’s needs.
The Employment Readiness and Placement Program works with refugees and other immigrants with a humanitarian based status in the US to achieve self-sufficiency through employment. The ERP team provides case management, job placement, career coaching and ESL services to support clients employment based goals.
Position Title
ERP Case Management Intern
Overview of the position
ERP CM Interns will support case management and ESL services.
Specific Duties
- Review intake documents with clients and obtain needed signatures over the phone and via video chat
- Assist clients with completing public benefit applications over the phone or via video chat
- Facilitate ESL classes and small group ESL tutoring via video chat
- Train clients on using Zoom and other digital learning platforms over the phone and via videochat
Qualifications
Fluency in a second language preferred
Education focused on social services, psychology, social work, or international/global studies preferred
Preferred hours, times of day, number of hours per week (may not exceed 12 hours)
Monday-Friday 9-5, 12 hours per week
Brief description of your organization and department
The Mission of Overbrook School for the Blind is to develop and deliver education that enhances the options available for persons with visual impairments, including those with additional challenges, so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives.
The Development and Communications Department is led by the Director of Development and Communications and is charged with all school fundraising efforts, marketing/communications (including staff, parent and community audiences) and special fundraising events.
Position Title: Development and Communications Intern
Overview of the position:
*Hybrid programming with flexibility for fully remote
The Development and Communications Intern will primarily assist the Development and Communications team with the various aspects of their work such as: social media content development, writing for the website and newsletter, event planning, content development and photography for development initiatives, prospect research, and other assignments as needed.
Specific Duties
- Develop content for both internal and external communications mediums (social media, website, content library, annual report, newsletter, etc.)
- Assist with administration and content of multiple social media platforms - including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn - several times a week.
- Assist with managing photo and video library
- Tracking and compiling statistics for social media and website
- Assist with all aspects of event development, planning and implementation
- This does not contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the position.
Qualifications
- Must currently be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student
- Communication skills (oral and written)
- Demonstrates creativity in the development of ideas and content
- Demonstrates good judgment and dependability
- Ability to work independently and take initiative on projects
- Interest and experience in communications/fundraising is preferred
- Proficiency in social media platforms, especially Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Docs and various social media platforms.
Preferred hours, times of day, number of hours per week (may not exceed 12 hours)
We are flexible with hours, as long as it is between the hours of 8 am – 4 pm, 12 hours per week.
PACT for Animals
716 Black Rock Road, Gladwyne, PA 19035
Established in 2010, PACT for Animals is a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding temporary foster care for the pets of military personnel on deployment and individuals hospitalized for critical illnesses. Its mission is to provide no-cost programs that directly benefit both companion animals and their owners, while also educating and advocating for animal welfare issues. PACT offers temporary in-home boarding to the pets of military members and citizens experiencing medical crisis. By providing short-term and long-term foster homes for animals when their owners are temporarily unable to care for them, PACT reduces the number of animals surrendered into animal shelters nationwide. As a result, PACT for Animals saves both the lives of beloved companion animals at risk of abandonment and the well-being and peace-of-mind of their human companions, until they can be safely reunited.
Position titles and descriptions:
Grant Writing Intern
(1 opening)
PACT is seeking an intern with interest in non-profit organizations and grant writing. The ideal applicant will be a self-motivated, positive individual with strong writing skills and an interest in the non-profit world. A passion for companion animals is a plus, but not required. The right candidate will receive personalized training and instruction from PACT staff, and will gain valuable experience in the realm of grant writing. The Grant Writing Intern will have the opportunity to research and write grants to better the reach and funding of PACT services. PACT student interns are highly valued at our organization and we do our best to create a beneficial experience, even while students work virtually.
Volunteer/Foster Outreach Assistant Intern
(1 opening)
PACT is seeking an intern with interest in event coordination, volunteer management, and social media for our Volunteer/ Foster Outreach Intern position. Candidates for this position should be able to maintain a positive attitude, have good interpersonal communication skills, and a positive and inclusive sense of humor. A love of companion animals is a plus, but not required. The Volunteer/Foster Outreach Assistant Intern will work closely with the Director of Foster/Volunteer Services remotely to learn how PACT matches animals to foster homes and how to best serve our soldiers and hospitalized citizens. Interns in this position will learn to navigate Salesforce, a customer relationship management software program used in many professional arenas.
Qualifications
PACT seeks candidates who are motivated self-starters, efficient independent workers, eager to learn, detail-oriented, proficient in Microsoft Office, and possess excellent communication skills. Candidates must have their own computer and webcam in order to participate in weekly virtual meetings via Zoom.
Time commitment: Flexible shifts available Monday through Friday, scheduled between the hours of 8:00AM – 3:00PM (may not exceed 10 total hours per week)
PACT for Animals
716 Black Rock Road, Gladwyne, PA 19035
Established in 2010, PACT for Animals is a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding temporary foster care for the pets of military personnel on deployment and individuals hospitalized for critical illnesses. Its mission is to provide no-cost programs that directly benefit both companion animals and their owners, while also educating and advocating for animal welfare issues. PACT offers temporary in-home boarding to the pets of military members and citizens experiencing medical crisis. By providing short-term and long-term foster homes for animals when their owners are temporarily unable to care for them, PACT reduces the number of animals surrendered into animal shelters nationwide. As a result, PACT for Animals saves both the lives of beloved companion animals at risk of abandonment and the well-being and peace-of-mind of their human companions, until they can be safely reunited.
Position titles and descriptions:
Grant Writing Intern
(1 opening)
PACT is seeking an intern with interest in non-profit organizations and grant writing. The ideal applicant will be a self-motivated, positive individual with strong writing skills and an interest in the non-profit world. A passion for companion animals is a plus, but not required. The right candidate will receive personalized training and instruction from PACT staff, and will gain valuable experience in the realm of grant writing. The Grant Writing Intern will have the opportunity to research and write grants to better the reach and funding of PACT services. PACT student interns are highly valued at our organization and we do our best to create a beneficial experience, even while students work virtually.
Volunteer/Foster Outreach Assistant Intern
(1 opening)
PACT is seeking an intern with interest in event coordination, volunteer management, and social media for our Volunteer/ Foster Outreach Intern position. Candidates for this position should be able to maintain a positive attitude, have good interpersonal communication skills, and a positive and inclusive sense of humor. A love of companion animals is a plus, but not required. The Volunteer/Foster Outreach Assistant Intern will work closely with the Director of Foster/Volunteer Services remotely to learn how PACT matches animals to foster homes and how to best serve our soldiers and hospitalized citizens. Interns in this position will learn to navigate Salesforce, a customer relationship management software program used in many professional arenas.
Qualifications
PACT seeks candidates who are motivated self-starters, efficient independent workers, eager to learn, detail-oriented, proficient in Microsoft Office, and possess excellent communication skills. Candidates must have their own computer and webcam in order to participate in weekly virtual meetings via Zoom.
Time commitment: Flexible shifts available Monday through Friday, scheduled between the hours of 8:00AM – 3:00PM (may not exceed 10 total hours per week)
Puentes de Salud (Bridges of Health) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that promotes the health and wellness of Philadelphia’s rapidly growing Latinx immigrant population through high-quality health care, innovative educational programs, and community building. The education branch of Puentes de Salud offers educational programming to children ages 3 to 18, and their families.
Position Title:
Sexuality Education Support
Overview of the position:
CBWS students will support the daily functioning of the Puentes de Salud Sexuality Education Program, which is facilitated by our partner organization, YES! (Your Empowered Sexuality). Possible workshop topics include: consent, identity, sexuality, puberty, racial justice, gender, media literacy, and more! Classes will take place at Southwark School (1835 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA ). If in-person programming becomes unsafe, we will transition the program to an online format.
Specific Duties: Responsibilities include: supporting students’ transition from school to after-school programming, engaging in workshops alongside students, assisting facilitators with program implementation, supporting with student dismissal, supporting with space clean-up, and engaging in weekly debrief sessions with the Puentes and YES! teams. 

Qualifications: We ask that volunteers have some level of experience working with children in educational settings. Spanish proficiency is strongly preferred but not required. At this time, we are only able to offer in-person opportunities to people who can submit proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. CBWS students will also need to submit weekly COVID-19 test results, and complete a health screener form each day before entering the building (exact details pending). CBWS students must also submit a series of background checks prior to beginning work with Puentes. All interested applicants must first apply through our online web-application portal and will be considered alongside other applicants.
Preferred hours, times of day, number of hours per week (may not exceed 12 hours)
The program will take place on Mondays and Thursday afternoons. The CBWS students would need to commit to being on-site 1-2 days per week, from 3-6pm (transportation time not included), for a total of 3-6 hours per week.
Important Links
Contact Us
The Career & Civic Engagement Center
Phone: 610-526-5174