What is LAEP?
LAEP, short for Learning Aligned Employment Program, is aimed at providing students with an educationally beneficial internship position that relates to their area of study or career exploration. It is also meant to connect them with full-time employment opportunities after graduation. Funded through a grant from the California Student Aid Commission, LAEP student research positions are paid as part of the student’s financial aid. Learn more about the Learning Aligned Employment Program (LAEP).
LAEP Overview
How does a student qualify?
Eligible students are from an underrepresented background and meet all the following criteria:
- At least half-time enrollment (six units for spring or fall). For summer, students must be enrolled at least half-time in summer courses required for completion of a degree or certificate, or accepted for enrollment on at least a half-time basis for the following normal academic term.
- California resident
- Satisfactory academic progress in a program leading to a degree or certificate
- Demonstrated financial need as demonstrated on FAFSA or CADAA (students can check SURF).
- Eligibility to work in the United States
How does a student know if they have a LAEP award?
- They can log on to SURF and see an estimated award on their Financial Aid award panel.
- Students can complete this form to verify eligibility for LAEP.
There are two types of positions available for LAEP
- Internal Research Placements
As a LAEP Student Research Intern, these positions range from $16-22/hour. Placement on the internal payscale is based on completed units. If students have questions about their completed units, encourage them to contact the Financial Aid Office. Enrollment in an internship or co-op course is required to assure alignment with their career goals. - External Companies with Agreements with MiraCosta College
These companies have an agreement to have a portion of your wages paid through your aid (MiraCosta will reimburse the employer based on hours worked). This will be piloted in the Fall 2023 semester and more widely available in the Spring 2024 semester.
What do I need to do to hire a LAEP Intern for my department/program?
Prior to posting a position or recruiting LAEP student research interns, a department or program employee should discuss the idea with their Supervisor or Department Chair and have it approved by their Dean. LAEP interns must be involved in a project with a research component. Once the idea is approved, a job description should be created. All approved Learning-Aligned Education Program (LAEP) positions will be posted on JAIN. Please use “LAEP” in the title of the position and select the job type “Paid through LAEP funds.” Also include this wording:
“Hourly wage compensation is funded through LAEP, which is a form of financial aid and is included in your total financial aid package. An important note is that wages must be reported on your FAFSA and will apply to the expected family contributions thereby potentially reducing future financial aid awards. Please contact the Financial Aid Office if you have questions.”
More information about hiring students/LAEP interns can be found in the Manual for Supervisors of Student Workers.
Use this checklist to walk through the steps of considering a LAEP Student Research
Intern.
How will LAEP affect a student’s financial aid?
Hourly wage compensation is funded through LAEP, which is a form of financial aid and is included in the student’s total financial aid package. LAEP wages may not exceed their unmet need for the academic year. As with other types of employment, LAEP earnings are paid like any other job. Students will not be permitted to exceed the set hour limit of 19.5 hours per week for all on campus positions in which they are employed. An important note is that wages must be reported on a student’s FAFSA and will apply to the expected family contributions thereby potentially reducing future financial aid awards. Have the student contact the Financial Aid Office if they have questions.