Learning Aligned Employment Program

Are you interested in paid internships that can potentially result in full-time employment after graduation?

The Learning Aligned Employment Program (LAEP) is funded by the California Student Aid Commission to support students with financial needs. LAEP provides funds to participating public postsecondary educational institutions to offer eligible students opportunities to earn money to help pay their educational costs while gaining career-related experience in their fields of study. LAEP allows a participating student to conduct research that relates to the student’s area of study, career objective, or the exploration of career objectives.

Eligibility:

  • Underrepresented student *
  • Eligible to work in the United States
  • California resident
  • Meet financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Be in good academic standing with your school and major
  • Enrolled at least half-time (6 units) at CSU East Bay as an Undergraduate Student

*“Underrepresented” students include first-generation college students, low-income students, students who are current or former foster youth, homeless students or those at risk of becoming homeless, students with disabilities, displaced workers, students with dependent children, formerly incarcerated students, undocumented students, students meeting the requirements of AB 540, and veterans.

LAEP Position Details

  • Award amount: up to $9,000 for the academic year (Fall/ Spring/ Summer), based on your financial need and eligibility.
  • Student must maintain half-time enrollment (6 units for Undergraduate Students)
  • Staff/Faculty Supervision Required: Staff/Faculty will sign and approve LAEP student contract.
  • Hourly rate: At least minimum wage (hourly rate is set by the department & HR).
  • Weekly Hours: set by each hiring department, maximum of 20 hours a week (maximum of 8 hours a day).


Next Steps for Student Interested in the Program

  • Contact the Academic Advising and Career Education (AACE) office to learn more about LAEP Career Opportunities! Click here to visit their webpage.
  • Ready to Apply? Click here to submit an application today!
  • Prospective LEAP participants and their prospective employers will receive an email from the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships regarding students' eligibility to participate in the program.
  • If eligible, participants will work with their employer regarding hiring process.


For Employers:

If you are interested in hiring students through the LAEP program, please have students complete the steps above starting with the second bullet point. 

For assistance in managing the payment and hours of your LAEP recipient, please contact your HR/ Payroll representative. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but students may not exceed 20 hours per week (maximum of 8 hours a day), and must meet the required financial need for some student employment programs.

To get started, contact the Academic Advising and Career Education (AACE) office.

For the purpose of determining LAEP eligibility, “underrepresented” students include:

  • first-generation college students,
  • low-income students,
  • students who are current or former foster youth,
  • homeless students or those at risk of becoming homeless,
  • students with disabilities,
  • displaced workers,
  • students with dependent children,
  • formerly incarcerated students,
  • undocumented students,
  • students meeting the requirements of Assembly Bill 540 of the 2001–2002 Regular Session of the Legislature, and
  • students who are veterans.

Students may earn up to $9,000 during the academic year (Fall, Spring, and Summer).

No, the program is only open to students pursuing an initial undergraduate degree. It includes Teaching Credential students in their 5th year.

No, you may hold only one LAEP job, at a time. Therefore, you should select a job that provides enough hours to earn the total amount of your award. You may work under another campus employment position but not under Federal Work-Study (FWS) and LAEP.

Your employer may find it necessary to discharge you before the end of the employment period. Examples of reasons for separation: 1) Your LAEP award has been depleted, 2) Your LAEP award was canceled because you:

  • Did not meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  • Withdrawn from school
  • Received additional aid
  • Taken an approved leave of absence
  • Dismissed from school
  • Graduated

If you drop below half-time enrollment, you must notify your immediate manager as soon as possible.

You are no longer eligible to continue working as a LAEP student employee and the department must terminate your employment immediately. Please notify your employer and the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships so they can take the necessary action based on your situation.

Contracts are used to authorize your participation in the program, and it indicates the amount of your LAEP award eligibility. You also certify that this position relates to your area of study and/or your career objectives. Your LAEP employer must complete this form and sign it with you before you can start earning LAEP funds.

This depends on your enrollment prospects. Contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships for counseling.