Learning-Aligned Employment Program

The Learning-Aligned Employment Program (LAEP) offers eligible students an opportunity to make money working on or off campus, in a job that relates to the student's major, allows the student to explore career interests, and provides the student with skills and experience that will help them pursue their career goals.

Participating students will be supported by Gavilan Staff and other resource programs to aid their success.

Participating employers are reimbursed: 50% of the wages reimbursed for-profit organizations. 90% of the wages reimbursed for non-profit organizations. 100% of the wages reimbursed for on-campus positions at Gavilan College.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: (effective May, 22, 2024)

Due to current State of California budget considerations, LAEP will be paused for Summer 2024 as we await a final decision from the Governor (expected by June 30th). If the Governor decides to continue funding the program, we plan to resume activities in the Fall 2024 semester.

We understand the impact this pause may have, and we appreciate your patience and understanding during this period of uncertainty. We will update you with any new information as soon as it becomes available.

In the meantime, we encourage students to regularly check College Central Network for available summer internships and opportunities (if available).

Eligible Students

How to Participate as a Student Worker

Students must complete the Student Interest and Eligibility Form. A response to know if you are eligible can be expected within a week.

First Eligibility Level

The student must match at least ONE of the following underrepresented background criteria to qualify

first-generation college students
low-income students
current or former foster youth
homeless students or those at risk of becoming homeless
students with disabilities
displaced workers
students with dependent children
formerly incarcerated students
undocumented students
students meeting the requirements of Assembly Bill 540 of the 2001-2002 Regular Session of the Legislature
students who are veterans

Second Eligibility Level

In addition to meeting at least one of the underrepresented background criteria, students must meet ALL the following criteria:

Enrolled at least half-time (six units in the current semester/ six units registered in the upcoming fall semester for a summer position)
Maintained satisfactory academic progress, including completion of overall and pervious term 67% of your attempted courses
Overall 2.0 grade-point average and follow through of the education plan as required for Financial Aid.
Demonstrated financial need via completion of FAFSA/CADAA, with need determined by the Financial Aid Office.
Classified as a California resident
Eligible to work in the United States

If a student participating in LAEP no longer meets the “underrepresented background” criteria by which they qualified, the institution may reevaluate and document alternate criteria that qualify the student for the program.

Eligible Employers

Which Employers are Eligible?

Nonprofit and For-Profit employers

Nonsectarian, nonpolitical organizations capable of providing full-time employment after graduation or connection to another employer able to provide full-time employment after graduation.

For LAEP positions with nonprofit employers, the program may provide no more than 90 percent of the student’s compensation.
For LAEP positions with for-profit employers, the program may provide no more than 50 percent of the student’s compensation.

Public Schools

Public schools operated by school districts, county superintendents of schools, the Department of the Youth Authority, or the Department of Education.

For LAEP positions with public educational institutions or nonprofit corporations, the program may provide no more than 90 percent of the student’s compensation.

Research Centers and Institutions

Research centers and institutions operated by public post secondary educational institutions, if their learning-aligned employment opportunities provide participating students with direct opportunities to participate in the research that is undertaken by the respective research centers and institutions. Research is not limited to scientific research and can take place outside of an academic discipline. The research should be directed and supervised by faculty, staff or another mentor who will determine the research requirements.

If the direct employer is the UC, CSU, CCC, or one of its respective campuses, the program may provide 100 percent of the student’s compensation.