Hoyer, Booker Applaud DOE’s Expansion of Federal Work-Study Funds for Civic Engagement
WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement after the Department of Education (DOE), in response to the lawmakers’ request, updated guidance clarifying that Federal Work-Study (FWS) funds may be used for employment by a Federal, State, local, or Tribal public agency for civic engagement work that is not associated with a particular interest or group. The Department will also be including this update in the upcoming Federal Student Aid (FSA) Handbook and will be removing limitations on nonpartisan polling place work, including serving as poll workers.
“Every young American, no matter their politics, ought to have a chance to help their democracy function,” Congressman Hoyer said. “Whether it's helping with voter registration or serving as a poll worker, these non-partisan opportunities offer students an excellent opportunity to learn about the electoral process and to serve their communities. Civic engagement makes America thrive, which is why I was pleased to see the Department of Education's decision and why I've been proud to champion the Help America Vote Act and its College Poll Worker program.”
“I applaud the Department’s decision to expand Federal Work-Study funds to allow students to get paid for civic engagement work, including registering people to vote and working as non-partisan poll workers,” said Senator Booker. “Providing students at higher education institutions with an opportunity at hands-on experience supporting free and fair elections will enrich their academic experience. This initiative engages young people to take an active role in their communities, and promotes one of the most important pillars of our nation’s democracy.”
In October, Congressman Hoyer and Senator Booker led 19 colleagues in a letter urging Secretary of Education Miguel A. Cardona to swiftly produce guidance to clarify that students may be paid with FWS funds for non-partisan voter registration and participation activities when working with off-campus entities that are not affiliated with any political party. The lawmakers also requested the Department to revise its outdated Federal Student Aid Handbook with similar clarifications and remove language relating to prohibiting students from serving as poll workers, which are by definition non-partisan roles.