Giving Compass' Take:

• James Paterson, writing for Education Dive, highlights findings from a new report, that show the benefits of work-study programs for students in college.

• How can donors fund more work-study programs in college? 

• Read about co-op programs that offer work experience for students. 

The familiar but inconspicuous work-study programs on campuses could be fine-tuned to improve retention, helping students who need income while providing them with sought-after career-readiness skills and training opportunities, according to a new report.

The review of such programs by NASPA–Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education recommends the programs become a higher priority for campus leaders and have clear standards. It also suggest they be better promoted, supervised and evaluated with strong data.

The report touches on ways the work-study program can help tackle two nagging issues in higher education: career readiness and retention. Students who see value in these jobs and make connections through them to the campus, peers and professionals may have a better experience in college and be more likely to stay enrolled, it notes.

It also suggests career-readiness be a goal, something work-study programs can help with by emulating the real-life hiring process — such as requiring a resume and an interview, offering an orientation to the position and conducting an exit interview. Those steps can also help the institution gather data on the student work experience.

It also suggests career-readiness be a goal, something work-study programs can help with by emulating the real-life hiring process — such as requiring a resume and an interview, offering an orientation to the position and conducting an exit interview. Those steps can also help the institution gather data on the student work experience.

A recent survey by the program found student workers who talked with their supervisors about the connections between their job and coursework were more likely to report having gained communication skills, problem-solving abilities and other work-related habits.

Read the full article about work-study programs by James Paterson at Education Dive