Learning-Aligned Employment Program
Interested in getting paid to conduct research during the academic year?
The Learning Aligned Employment Program (LAEP) offers students paid research positions that may relate to their major, career goals, or the exploration of career options. LAEP is funded by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to support underrepresented students with financial need. Participants in this program will be hired as Research Assistants and will be paid hourly wages to conduct research with UC San Diego faculty.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible students are from an underrepresented background and meet all the following criteria:
- At least half-time enrollment
- California resident
- Must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements
- Demonstrated financial need
- Be in good academic standing with your school and major
- Eligibility to work in the United States
Priority will be given to eligible students who are first-generation college students, current/former foster youth, homeless, or at risk of being homeless. Further priority will be given to eligible students majoring in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) discipline.
Steps to Apply for Students
Visit Handshake and search LAEP to locate positions. The deadline to apply is March 3, 2023. Candidates selected will be notified in mid-March 2023, and an orientation for new LAEP students will take place in early April 2023.
For Parents and Families
Encouraging your student to participate in LAEP, if they’re eligible, is a great way for them to gain work experience while helping to offset the cost of tuition at UC San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions
LAEP provides funds to offer eligible students opportunities to earn money to help pay their educational costs while gaining career-related experience in their fields of study.
For the purpose of determining LAEP eligibility, “underrepresented” students include first generation college students, low-income students, students who are 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, and students who are veterans.
Students cannot count their research work for multiple programs/opportunities. Using the same work for academic credit and a paid position is not allowed.
No, you may hold only one work-study job, either under LAEP or Federal Work-Study, at a time. You may work at another campus employment position but not under work- study.
No, the program is only open to students pursuing an initial undergraduate degree.
Yes. Students must be eligible to work in the U.S. to participate.
You can learn more about the program and funding development at csac.ca.gov/laep.