Work Study Student Program 2025/2026

Summary

The Library of Congress Work Study Student Program is a progressive, career development program for local high school students. It combines on-the-job training and career development with classroom instructions and education. Under the program, students earn a federal salary, receive work site supervision and career assistance. Students will get the chance to work part-time when school is in session with the possibility of full-time employment during school breaks.

Duties

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This program offers high school students insights into the environment and culture of the world's largest and most comprehensive repository of human knowledge. Work Study Students will be exposed to a broad spectrum of library work: copyright, preservation, reference, access standards, and information management.

Please see the list of required documents below. Incomplete applications will disqualify you from the program.

For more details about the Work Study Student Program, click here:

https://www.loc.gov/item/internships/high-school-work-study-program-hrs/

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Students enrolled in a Work-Based Learning Program are given preference
• Homeschooled students must have completed 70% of their high school studies
• To be considered for a position students MUST submit ALL required documents

For a student to be eligible to submit an application for the Library of Congress Work Study Student Program they must meet the following requirements.

• Must be a US Citizen
• Must be enrolled in their Junior or Senior year of high school studies at a local high school not more than 45 minutes commute to worksite
• Must be available for work Monday - Friday 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. OR Monday - Friday 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. - available from August 19, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
• Must be least 16 years of age
• Must be eligible for a Work Permit OR 18 years old
• Must be in good standing with high school grades
• Must be in good standing with previous employers or supervisors at volunteer positions
• Must demonstrate positive behavior at high school and work environments
• Must recommended by the appropriate high school officials through required e-mail procedure (see Required Documents section of vacancy for e-mail procedure)

Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.

Qualifications

GS - 1: No experience required other than attendance in accredited high school with an early release time. (During High School Work Study Program)

Education

Students who are homeschooled must have completed 70% of their high school studies at the time of application as demonstrated on school transcript.

Additional information

The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If a student needs a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The date of certification must be within one year of the vacancy closing date. For more information contact the selective placement program coordinator at 202-707-6362 or email spp@loc.gov.

The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service.

Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation.

The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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