Learn About LAEP
What is LAEP?
LAEP = "Learning-Aligned Employment Program"
LAEP is a California Work Study program designed to get eligible students into paid work experiences that relate to their program of study while reimbursing businesses for a portion of the students' wages. The work experiences can include jobs and internships both on-campus at SRJC and off-campus with companies licensed to operate in the state of California.
What does "Learning-Aligned" mean?
Learning-aligned means the LAEP internship or job must be related to what the student is studying or the career interests the student may have. For example, a student studying Biology may be interested in working on campus in one of the labs. A student studying English Literature may be interested in working with a publication or publisher. A student studying Office Management may be interested in getting more experience working in an office. The intention of this grant is to get eligible students into work that is relative to the path they are on.
What Majors or Certificates are participating in LAEP?
Students from ALL programs of study are welcome to apply. Students must meet the eligibility requirements in order to participate, but there are currently no specifications regarding what classes or programs they must be enrolled in.
How much of the students' wages are reimbursed to the employer?
The current reimbursement schedule, as defined by the California State Aid Commission is as follows:
| Type of Organizaiton | Percentage of Student's Gross Wages* |
| For-Profit Organizations | Up to 50% |
| Non-Profit Organizations | Up to 90% |
| Public Schools | Up to 90% |
| SRJC Departments | 100% |
*Wage reimbursements are for actual hours worked and may not include payment for vacation time, holiday pay, sick pay, union dues, jury duty, payroll taxes, bonuses, employment insurance, or mandated state and federal benefits.
How long will the grant be available?
LAEP grant funds will be available until 2031 or until the money is expended, whichever comes first.
Can any business participate?
All participating businesses and LAEP positions must be approved by the LAEP Coordinator. Currently all businesses licensed to operate in the state of California are allowed. Government entities, other than public schools, are not included at this time. If funds become limited, then priority will be with STEM-related organizations. Both on-campus SRJC departments and off-campus organizations are invited to participate. The LAEP position must align with the student's current program of study. In addition, on-campus positions must include a research element that gives the student direct opportunities to participate in research. This research does not need to be scientific in nature. Contact the LAEP coordinator for more details.
Are employers required to hire LAEP students at the end of the LAEP position?
Employers participating in the LAEP program must either be able to:
- Offer the LAEP student the opportunity to apply for a full time position at the end of the LAEP internship
- OR be able to connect the LAEP student with other potential opportunities for full time positions within a related industry
How do departments or businesses apply?
Review the Job Position Requirements page and then submit an Employer Interest Form. This form should include a job title, job description, the proposed hourly wage, and other details. The LAEP Coordinator will review then reach out to discuss next steps.
What if we have a student we already want to work with?
The student must be eligible to participate in LAEP. Student Eligibility requirements are available for review. Eligibility is reviewed by SRJC's Financial Aid office.
Our position has been approved! Now what?
Whether you already have a student lined up to hire or if you need help finding one, contact the LAEP Coordinator to begin the process of connecting you with LAEP-eligible students.
Questions?
Contact SRJC's LAEP Coordinator for more information.
