Ariel photo of the Berea College Draper building and the surrounding mountains

Path to Purpose

Berea’s Work College Program

Work to learn, learn to work

Berea is one of only ten federally recognized Work Colleges. Every student works a minimum of 10 hours per week at a campus job in one of more than 130 departments. In working on campus, students support the operations and mission of the College and also gain important workplace experience even before graduation.

Hands-on Experience

Minimum number of hours each student works each week at a paid on-campus job.

91%

percentage of students who credited skills they learned in their work position as supporting academic development

1,500

Number of campus jobs available for students

Goals of the program

The lead repair technician performs maintenance on a bike for the Berea College Office of Sustainability bike share program.

Audio Visual student and staff member working in booth at a convocation

Student photographer taking pictures of a group in the studio

Chart your own path

Just as you build your academic skills step-by-step, your work assignments will start at the introductory level and progress into positions with greater responsibility and specialization. This reflects Berea’s long-standing belief in the dignity of all work, both mental and manual. Throughout your time here, you can tailor your pathway by submitting resumes and applying to positions that excite you.

Supporting the whole student

The Work College Program is a vital component of Berea’s educational experience. Our graduates enter the workforce or graduate/professional schools as well-rounded individuals ready to take on the world. You’ll graduate with four years of specific job-related experience and a valuable toolkit of soft skills employers eagerly look for in candidates. Additionally, each student is awarded a work transcript, in addition to an academic transcript, detailing their entire work experience upon graduation. This work transcript can effectively answer the question so many applicants face in an interview: “So what did you accomplish in college?” At Berea, you’ll be equipped and prepared to answer compellingly.

Develop skills and pursue your passions

The Work College Program is a gateway to endless career possibilities. You will have a special opportunity, for example, to align your work position with your chosen academic major, another way that a Berea education makes you especially prepared over graduates from other institutions.

So take advantage of the endless opportunities to explore passions you might not typically pursue. From herding cattle on the Berea College Farm to performing research in state-of-the-art chemistry labs, there's meaningful work to be found for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct deposit eliminates the step of having to deposit or cash a physical check. Also, banks will usually process paychecks before paper checks arrive at CPO (dependent on bank).

To sign up for direct deposit you must have your student ID and an official document from your bank which shows your routing and account number or a voided check.

A student’s pay grade is determined by the level of work being performed in the position. As students take on more responsibilities they will be assigned a higher pay grade.

WLS 1: Repetitive tasks or routines requiring direct supervision of worker results.
WLS 2: Requires less direct supervision, with more variety in required tasks. May also require more knowledge about the job.
WLS 3: Skilled work with little supervision. Can work independently and make their own judgment. This could involve helping train others.
WLS 4: Requires no direct supervision, and will begin supervising of their own. Should have advanced skills in the positions and can train others.
WLS 5: Student supervisor position that requires a 15-hour contract. Student must understand the department’s policies and relationships. They will manage other students, and must be familiar with every labor position in the office. They must also model strong interpersonal/communication skills.

MyBerea

You can also use MyBerea to request a labor transcript. You can find it under the Labor tab. Click on the “Request Official Labor Transcript” link within the Student Labor Resources Channel.

Photography. Web design. Art curating. Farming. You name it, you can probably do it here through the Work College Program and enter the workforce with the advantage of hands-on experience and a transcript that details your workplace experience.

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