Loyola students have the chance to do their work study off campus, all while serving the community with the Community-Based Federal Work Study Program.

Jennifer Jeanfreau, director of the Office of Community Engaged Learning, Teaching and Scholarship, said that she would love to see more students taking advantage of working off campus.

“I think not many people know about the program, and the ones who do are hesitant due to lack of transportation,” Jeanfreau said.

Jeanfreau said that, due to transportation concerns, provisions have been made.

Students are paid for transportation time, up to 45 minutes of one-way walking or public transit, and 30 minutes of biking or driving. Bus and streetcar passes are also available.

Current community partners include Anna’s Place, Audubon Zoo and Nature Institute, Catholic Charities, Eden House, Elevate New Orleans, New Orleans College Preparatory Academies, New Orleans Film Society and Stay Local.

According to Jeanfreau, if students do not see an organization they are interested in, they can apply to work for any non-profit, as long as the organization has 501c3 status, which means the organization is exempt from federal income tax.

Former Community-Based Federal Work Study students, like Gabrielle Gatto, A’15, have sworn by the rewards of working off campus.

“My experiences were priceless,” Gatto said.

Gatto’s contract part-time position at New Orleans Film Society, her former work study while attending Loyola, became full-time after graduation. She is now the communications director.

“I interacted with filmmakers from all over the world. Not only did I study film, I work for it,” Gatto said.

Mallory Hirschler, A’15, said that she considers her former Community-Based Federal Work Study employer, Anna’s Place, her second home.

“Each summer they hired me to work. I became an essential part of the program and the staff asked me to stay. I didn’t want to leave. I was fondly attached to the children and the program mission,” Hirschler said.

Hirschler said the program is worth much more than the money.

“My most rewarding experience was watching the children develop; improving social skills, academics, music, and world perspectives. If I had to do it again, I would still choose to work off campus. It gets you out of your comfort zone and reinforces the Loyola liberal arts education,” Hirschler said.

Gabriela Caceres, mass communication senior, heard about Community-Based Federal Work Study through a friend. She signed up for Audubon Zoo, one of the most popular places to do work study off campus

“It seemed like a great opportunity. Her descriptions made me even more interested,” Caceres said.

Caceres described off-campus work as challenging, yet rewarding.

“It helps you develop a stronger sense of responsibility and time management. Work study shifts are not to do class assignments, but actual work,” Caceres said.