Community Connect

Northwestern students who are Federal Work Study eligible can earn their work study award from community-based jobs as part of the University’s new Community Connect program, a partnership between the Center for Civic Engagement and the Federal Work Study Office. Positions range from working in local government, to conducting medical research, to reading to preschool children, to leading creative arts programs for seniors.

Community Connect offers advising on community-based jobs, resume and interview support, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a chance to build community and connections with local organizations and Northwestern students interested in making an impact.

Organizations: Interested in becoming a Community Connect partner? Learn more

• Federal Work Study eligible students can secure community-based jobs on their own, or meet with a Community Connect advisor to help them identify positions that might be a good fit and navigate the job application process.
• Community Connect advisors can offer coaching and feedback on resumes and interview skills, as well as help students navigate their organization’s hiring process.
• Most host organizations are easily accessible to campus, and advisors can support with planning travel as needed.
• All Community Connect students are invited to participate in an orientation to community-based work and quarterly programming that allows them to learn more about the Evanston community, meet local leaders, and reflect on their experience with peers doing similar work. 
• Students and employers also have access to the Community Connect team for ongoing coaching and support throughout the year.
• Students working in school-based roles are part of our Community Connect Schools cohort and take part in additional training and professional development opportunities relevant to the education and youth development field.

• Build practical, real-world experience
• Explore career areas of interest
• Develop professional workplace skills
• Get involved in your local community and get to know Evanston issues and organizations
• Connect with a community of peers
• Get paid to make a difference!

Community Connect works with dozens of Evanston nonprofits and government agencies to create meaningful opportunities for Northwestern students to contribute to the community while building experience and skills. Community Connect students might:

• Advance open data, transparency, and accessibility of public services with the City of Evanston
• Support pain management research with Endeavor Health or psychological research with the Family Institute
• Contribute to local journalism at the Evanston RoundTable
• Tutor English language learners at Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America
• Deliver community arts programming – from open mic events to musical theater productions – for children and seniors with the Noyes Cultural Arts Center
• Teach language, literacy, and social emotional skills to preschoolers in early childhood classrooms at the Robert Crown Community Center
• Collect and preserve local Black histories with Shorefront Legacy Center
• Promote creative reuse while supporting arts and education with the Waste Shed

Interested in education and youth development? Check out Community Connect Schools!

• All Students: Complete our Community Connect Interest Form (even if you have already secured a position). Gain access to Community Connect programming, request advising or job search support, or be the first to hear about community-based job opportunities in future years.
• Job Seekers: Check the Student Job Board for current position openings and details on how to apply.
  To view only Community Connect positions, under Location, choose ‘School, Nonprofit, Community Service, or Government Agency.’ Additional positions will continue to be posted throughout the coming weeks.

• Learn more about Federal Work Study eligibility and become oriented to Northwestern’s Federal Work Study program.
• Questions about community-based work? Contact communityconnect@northwestern.edu to schedule an advising appointment.
• Questions about your Federal Work Study award? Contact nuworkstudy@northwestern.edu