Work-Study Employment at Helena College
Earn Money. Build Experience. Launch Your Career.
The Helena College Work-Study Program offers more than a paycheck, it's an opportunity to gain valuable work experience, develop professional skills, build your resume, and make connections that can help you long after graduation.
Helena College participates in both the Montana State and Federal Work-Study Programs, providing eligible students with meaningful on-campus and community service employment opportunities while helping offset educational expenses.
Work-Study funding is awarded as part of a student's financial aid package based on financial need and eligibility. Students earn their award through part-time employment and are paid biweekly based on hours worked, just like any other job.
Find Your Work-Study Job on Handshake
All Helena College Work-Study positions are now posted on Handshake, the leading career platform used by colleges and employers nationwide.
Think of Handshake as more than a job board—it's your career-launching platform.
With Handshake, you can:
- Search and apply for Helena College Work-Study positions
- Create a professional profile that showcases your skills and experience
- Upload and build your resume
- Discover internships and career opportunities
- Connect with employers and recruiters
- Receive personalized job recommendations
- Continue using the platform after graduation as you begin your professional career
The sooner you start using Handshake, the more prepared you'll be for internships, career opportunities, and your future job search.
Take Charge of Your Job Search
One of the benefits of Work-Study at Helena College is the freedom to choose opportunities that match your interests and career goals.
Helena College operates its Work-Study Program in a "free market" environment, meaning students are not assigned to jobs. Instead, you have the opportunity to explore available positions and apply for those that best fit your skills, interests, and future plans.
Because students choose where they apply, Work-Study encourages professional communication, initiative, and job-search skills that employers value.
Apply Early
Many Work-Study positions are posted during July and August before the academic year begins, although opportunities may become available throughout the year.
Don't wait to get started.
Students who begin searching early often have the greatest selection of available positions. We encourage you to apply for multiple openings to increase your chances of finding the right fit.
Need Help?
The Scholarship & Work Study Officer is available to assist students who have questions about eligibility, the application process, or finding a position.
To determine your eligibility for Work-Study and or receive your approval for work study funds form, please contact the Financial Aid Office at (406)447-6916 or at financialaid@helenacollege.edu or the Scholarship & Work Study Officer at (406)447-6914 to set up an appointment today!
For more information regarding the Work-Study Program at Helena College, please review the Student Employment Handbook . If you are a supervisor looking for information here is the Work-Study Supervisor Handbook
Your Future Starts Here!
Work-Study students are an important part of the Helena College community. Every day, student employees contribute their talents, energy, and dedication while gaining real-world experience that prepares them for future careers.
Whether you're answering phones, assisting faculty, supporting fellow students, working in a community service organization, or helping behind the scenes, you're building skills employers are looking for: communication, teamwork, professionalism, problem-solving, and leadership.
Start exploring opportunities today click on the flyer below and take the next step toward your future!
New Tiered PayScale for Work-Study
The three tiers have been determined by
- The range and complexity of job duties,
- The knowledge and skills requirements necessary to perform the job, and
- Equity (wage relationships with other student employees doing similar work).
Student Earning Ceiling
The chart below reflects the estimated number of hours a student may work per week to fully utilize his/her employment eligibility during the academic year. These figures are based on a possible 30 weeks of work for the academic year (excluding breaks).
Work Study Student Appreciation Week!
Work Study Student Appreciation Week is April 12-16, 2027.
Why We Celebrate:
Helena College employs a wide variety of Work Study Students who perform invaluable services with passion, commitment, and initiative. All while developing important skills and experience they will carry with them into their future careers upon graduation. Our work study students contribute so much to the campus community and provide access and support to our students’ success.
In addition, through the Federal Work Study Program, several local nonprofit agencies hire Helena College students to work in community service positions for their organizations.
We encourage all departments within Helena College to recognize them for all their hard work not only during Work Study Student Appreciation Week, but all throughout the year to let them know that their efforts are valued.
Work Study Supervisors nominate their student workers for the Work Study Student of the Year Award!
Purpose:
The Helena College Work Study Student of the Year Award was established to recognize and help promote the outstanding contributions and achievements of Helena College students who effectively combine campus work with their academic commitments. We look to supervisors within the college to nominate student employees who they feel are especially worthy of recognition based on their performance.
Nominee Criteria:
Nomination forms should be completed by the Work Study Supervisor each year and submitted to the Scholarship & Work Study Officer.
To be eligible for consideration, the nominee must be:
- Currently enrolled in at least 6 credits as a Helena College student;
- Working at least 10 hours a week on- or off-campus as a Work Study student;
- Employed with the same department/office for at least 6 months during the selection period which is the academic year July 1 st to June 30th; and
- Must be maintaining good academic standing.
Past Work Study Student of the Year Awards!
2025-2026 Work Study Student of the Year:
Gabriel Yadon - Library Learning Hub
2024-2025 Work Study Student of the Year:
Amanda Moulton - Admissions & Records
2018-2019 Work Study Student of the Year:
Lakota Lawson- Admissions & Records
2017-2018 Work Study Student of the Year:
Stanley Munson- Financial Aid Office
2015-2016 Work Study Student of the Year:
Gregory Matteucci- Machine Shop
2014-2015 Work Study Student of the Year:
Lori Cooper- Student Support Center
Notice to all Helena College Work Study Students:
All payroll information/changes may be made at GrizPortal .
Instructions: Login to Cyberbear using the above link. Below the sign in boxes under the Need Help With Your Account? heading click What's My NetID? Enter the requested information to retrieve your NetID and then click the Forgot Password link to obtain password to login.
To obtain calendars of time periods and time sheets go to HR Forms page under Payroll.
Please contact the Helena College Financial Aid Department at 406-447-6916 with any questions.
Helena College provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, or political beliefs.