Learning-Aligned Employment Program (LAEP)

What is LAEP?

The Learning Aligned Employment Program (LAEP) is a nine-year, state-funded, work-based learning program similar to work-study. LAEP offers funding for educationally beneficial positions that relate to the student’s area of study, career objective, or the exploration of career objectives. Here at UCSC, students can be hired for on-campus positions with LAEP.

• On-campus employment positions are research related. Research is not limited to scientific research and can take place outside of an academic discipline.

Why apply for LAEP?

• Gain access to paid research opportunities actively looking for undergraduate students like you, many of which are only open to LAEP-eligible students!
• Academic credit for work performed in a LAEP position may be applicable
  • Each department may have their own process for assigning academic credit (independent study for example). Students should check with their undergraduate advisor in their major department to determine if this is a possibility.

How do I know if I’m eligible for LAEP?

Eligible students are determined by the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office.  To qualify as eligible, students must meet the following criteria:

• At least half-time academic enrollment in an undergraduate program
• California resident classification
• Maintenance of satisfactory academic progress in an undergraduate degree program
• Demonstrated financial need as determined by the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office
• Eligibility to work in the United States

How do I find LAEP opportunities?

LAEP positions are advertised in Handshake. Handshake is the university’s job board where you can find and apply to all on-campus jobs. You can learn more about Handshake here.To see a filtered list of available LAEP jobs in Handshake, click here (note that this link works best if you are already signed into Handshake before clicking). LAEP positions in Handshake have “LAEP” in the job title. Another way to find LAEP jobs is to simply use the search bar on the jobs tab and type “LAEP”, without quotes, to reveal LAEP jobs (see image below for reference).

NOTE: LAEP jobs are a type of work-study and are only viewable for those students who have accepted their work-study award offer. If you are unable to see Work-study or LAEP jobs in Handshake, it may be because you are ineligible for work-study or have not accepted your work-study award. To learn how to accept your work-study award, see our work-study page.

What do I need to do in order to be hired?

After you have applied for a LAEP job and have been selected for hire, complete a Request Work-study or LAEP eForm and select the LAEP option. This eform will notify the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office to change your Work-Study award to a LAEP award. Once you have accepted your LAEP award offer you will be emailed to start onboarding for the job.

To Request LAEP:

1. Log into myUCSC
2. Go to the Undergraduate Student eForms tile
3. Locate and submit the Request Work-Study or LAEP eForm
4. Select the LAEP option 
   1. You will be notified on next steps as your eForm is evaluated and processed

If you have concerns about how requesting participation in LAEP may affect your financial aid, consult with the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office.

Already doing research with a faculty member?

Your role could be funded through LAEP if you qualify! Reach out to the LAEP Coordinator to discuss the possibility at ucscel@ucsc.edu

Frequently Asked Questions about LAEP (click me)

Contact ucscel@ucsc.edu if you have further questions about LAEP