Former student describes how further reductions in SWS could impact college plans

In an opinion piece published in the Olympian last weekend, Lacey resident Juliette Knight described how additional cuts to student financial aid programs could impact the college plans of many students.  Knight, a former State Work Study (SWS) employee, wrote in support of the SWS program, which has been proposed for suspension to help offset a $1.4 billion state revenue shortfall for the remainder of the biennium.  

“The program is a win-win for students,” Knight wrote.  “First, work study recipients benefit because they are able to pay a portion of their way through college and reduce reliance on school loan borrowing.  Second, the work experience gained is invaluable in preparing for full-time entry into the work force.”

Suspension of SWS would reduce the current budget hole by $8 million, according to figures released earlier by the Governor’s office and the Office of Financial Management. However, suspension also would mean that an estimated 3,500 low- and middle-income students would lose annual paychecks averaging $3,000 per year—money they use to help pay their college expenses.

At a time when many businesses are struggling, about 2,000 employers also would lose millions of hours in employee productivity through the loss of SWS employees.