Learning-Aligned Employment Program (LAEP)

Who Can Participate in the Program?

Undergraduate students from an underrepresented background satisfying all of the eligibility criteria may participate in the program. 

First Eligibility Level

The student must match at least ONE of the following “underrepresented background” descriptors to qualify. Underrepresented background applies to the student and cannot be established through a parent:

• first-generation college students
• low-income students
• 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/meeting the requirements of Assembly Bill 540 of the 2001-2002 Regular Session of the Legislature
• students who are veterans

Second Eligibility Level

In addition to meeting at least one of the “underrepresented background” descriptors, students MUST meet ALL the following criteria:

• Enrolled at least half-time
• Have demonstrated maintenance of satisfactory academic progress
• Have demonstrated financial need via FAFSA/CADAA
• Classified as a California resident
• Eligible to work in the United States

If a student participating in LAEP no longer meets the “underrepresented background” criteria by which they qualified, the institution may reevaluate and document alternate criteria that qualify the student for the program. If the student no longer meets any of the “underrepresented” criteria, the student is no longer eligible to participate in LAEP.

Impact on Financial Aid

LAEP is a form of financial aid and is included in your total financial aid package. LAEP wages may not exceed your unmet need for the academic year.

Unlike other types of financial aid, LAEP earnings are not applied directly to your tuition and fees. Students who participate in LAEP internships receive the funds in a paycheck as they earn them, based on hours worked, just like a normal job.

Contact the Financial Aid Office if you have questions - finaid@csueastbay.edu  

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Research Centers and Institutions

Research centers and institutions operated by public postsecondary educational institutions, if their learning-aligned employment opportunities provide participating students with direct opportunities to participate in the research that is undertaken by the respective research centers and institutions. Research is not limited to scientific research and can take place outside of an academic discipline. The research should be directed and supervised by faculty, staff or another mentor who will determine the research requirements.

• If the direct employer is the UC, CSU, CCC, or one of its respective campuses, the LAEP may provide 100 percent of the student’s compensation. 

Public Schools

Public schools operated by school districts, county superintendents of schools, the Department of the Youth Authority, or the Department of Education.

• For LAEP positions with public educational institutions or nonprofit corporations, the LAEP may provide no more than 90 percent of the student’s compensation.

Nonprofit and For-Profit employers

Nonsectarian, nonpolitical organizations capable of providing full-time employment after graduation or connection to another employer able to provide full-time employment after graduation. 

• For LAEP positions with nonprofit employers, the LAEP may provide no more than 90 percent of the student’s compensation.
• For LAEP positions with for-profit employers, the LAEP may provide no more than 50 percent of the student’s compensation.

Here is the registration process for campus departments interested in providing a LAEP approved internship to a Cal State East Bay student:

1. Complete the LAEP Campus Interest Form. 
2. Sign the LAEP Campus Agreement (sent via AdobeSign)
3. Register for CalStateS4 (optional, unless a student requests Academic credit for the internship)
4. Register for Handshake (optional) 
5. Recruit and hire students. Complete a Student Participation Form (sent via AdobeSign) and SEAF for each student hired.

Steps 1 and 2 are completed at the initial application cycle only. The On-Campus Employer Guide provides more information.

Questions? Send an email to Cherié Meredith - Internships Coordinator at internships@csueastbay.edu  

Here is the registration process for External Employers interested in providing a LAEP approved internship to a Cal State East Bay student:

1. Complete the LAEP External Employer Interest Form. 
2. Sign the External Employer Agreement and complete the Vendor Data Record form (sent via AdobeSign)
3. Register for CalStateS4 and post your position(s) in Handshake 
4. Recruit and hire students. Complete an Addendum for Student Participation (sent via AdobeSign) for each student hired.

Steps 1 and 2 are completed at the initial application cycle only. The External Employer Guide provides more information.

Questions? Send an email to Cherié Meredith - Internships Coordinator at internships@csueastbay.edu