FARMINGTON — University of Maine at Farmington was recently recognized by the Forum for Youth Investment, a national research-based organization, for its commitment to expanding on-campus student employment opportunities through the unique UMF Student Work Initiative.

UMF is one of three national universities cited for their promising student employment strategies in the organization’s recent Ready by 21 publication supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation “When Working Works: Employment & Post secondary Success.”

As reported in the Ready by 21 publication, college-friendly jobs share some common characteristics that appear to support student success in college including: flexible hours (no more than 20 hours per week), school-comes-first environment, opportunities for skill building, hands-on experience, connections to classroom content, career-related learning, professional work environment, consistent and constructive feedback and academic credit.

UMF Student Work Initiative position proposals are created by faculty or staff and include specific skill development objectives for students and working conditions that will facilitate retention and strategies for individualized supervision. Jobs range from research and service opportunities to working as lab and computer repair technicians.

All UMF students are eligible to apply for Student Work Initiative positions, regardless of financial need. Returning students are required to maintain a 2.75 grade-point average.

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