Dept of Education Bars Work Study From Voter Registration

The Department of Education has issued new guidance (PDF File) clarifying how colleges should use Federal Work Study (FWS) funds. The updated guidelines emphasize placing students in jobs that offer hands-on, career-relevant experience tied to their studies, while prohibiting the use of FWS wages for voter registration or election-related activities.

The FWS program, created to provide part-time employment for students with financial need, has long given institutions discretion in shaping job opportunities. As recently as 2024, the Department of Education allowed colleges to use FWS employment for voter registration drives or other non-partisan political activity. 

But the new Dear Colleague letter rescinds the previous directives, and makes clear that federal officials expect schools to connect students with work that helps build skills and experience for future employment.