Federal work-study supervisors: Join iGROW@Virginia Tech and receive a $400 professional development stipend

From: Career & Professional Development

Virginia Tech is enhancing federal work-study (FWS) positions to provide students with meaningful work experiences that build career-ready skills while supporting department goals. Supported by SCHEV’s Transforming Federal Work-Study Grant, Career and Professional Development and University Scholarships and Financial Aid invite departments to join iGROW@Virginia Tech and be part of this effort.

iGROW is a supervisor support program designed for offices that employ student workers. The program offers structured supervisor resources like guided conversation tools and professional development opportunities, strengthening supervision while helping students reflect on their work and develop career‑ready skills.

A “career-ready job” is a student employment position designed to help students develop transferable professional skills. Through iGROW, supervisors support student learning through structured job descriptions, skill development opportunities, and GROW® conversations that help students reflect on and articulate what they are learning.

A limited number of $400 professional development stipends are available on a first-come, first-served basis for participating FWS supervisors.

To receive the stipend, supervisors must:

• Supervise FWS students.
• Complete all iGROW@VirginiaTech program requirements.
• Attend at least one Career and Professional Development Supervisor Workshop in both the fall and spring semesters.
• Submit a job description at the end of the academic year that identifies at least three Professional Competencies students will develop and explains how they will gain those skills through the position.

Participating positions that meet these requirements will be designated as a “career-ready job” and will be featured in a dedicated Handshake collection, helping connect your opportunities with students seeking career-focused employment experiences.

You'll also join a cohort of fellow FWS supervisors committed to enhancing student learning through employment.

Please complete both the registration form for the summer 2026 iGROW@VirginiaTech information session as well as the Professional Development Stipend Interest form. During the session you will be walking through the program, expectations, timeline, and available support.

If none of the remaining information sessions work for your schedule, please email iGROW Program Coordinator Tatiana Balasenowich at tatianabal@vt.edu to set up an alternative time to meet.

Any questions regarding Federal Work-Study at Virginia Tech should be directed to Elissa Waybright, Assistant Director of Federal Work-Study and Compliance, at ewaybrig@vt.edu.