Learning-Aligned Employment Program
Overview For Institutions
The Learning-Aligned Employment Program (LAEP) offers eligible students at public colleges and universities the opportunity to earn money to help defray their educational costs while gaining education-aligned, career-related employment.
LAEP Webinars
Recorded webinar: LAEP Overview and Data Reporting, April 18, 2023
This webinar will provide an overview of LAEP, including data reporting requirements for 2022-23, and a WebGrants tutorial.
Tuesday, April 18, 2023: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
What is LAEP?
LAEP allows a participating student placement in an educationally beneficial position that relates to the student’s area of study, career objective, or the exploration of career objectives. The program includes and emphasizes positions for students with employers that are capable of providing them with full-time employment opportunities after graduation, or opportunities to connect with other employers that are capable of providing them with full-time employment opportunities after graduation, within their areas of study.
LAEP Handbook for Institutions
LAEP Trifold Brochure for Institutions
LAEP WebGrants Reporting Overview
List of Participating Institutions
Learning-Aligned Employment Program Agreement (LAEPA)
Eligible students are from an underrepresented background and meet all the following criteria:
- At least half-time enrollment
- California resident classification
- Satisfactory academic progress in a program leading to a degree or certificate
- Demonstrated financial need
- 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.
Employer Agreement Resources
These templates are provided as a starting point for institutions to create the Employer Agreement and related procedures for the Learning-Aligned Employment Program (LAEP). These documents are provided to facilitate compliance with the requirements in California Education Code Sections 69950-69969. Participating institutions and employers are encouraged to customize the employer agreement resources to meet their needs in compliance with the statutory requirements.
1. LAEP Employer Application Template - To be completed by the employer prior to the institution signing the Employer Agreement. The Employer Application Template is provided as a starting point for institutions to create an optional Employer Application for LAEP.
2. LAEP Employer Agreement Template - An Employer Agreement between the institution and employer is required for all LAEP positions in which the employer is not the institution. The Institution and Employer must execute an Employer Agreement prior to the employer considering students for employment. The Employer Agreement Template is provided as a starting point for institutions to create the Employer Agreement for LAEP. Each participating institution should work with their financial aid office, career center, legal counsel, and other applicable parties to create a customized LAEP Employer Agreement for the institution.
3. Addendum: LAEP Student Participation – An addendum with the requirements for each student (e.g. max hours and compensation)
Employer Agreement Resources Packet – All three documents in one file
Which employers are eligible?
The following entities may employ students:
- 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.
- Public colleges – Research centers and institutions operated by public postsecondary 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.
- Public schools - Public schools operated by school districts, county superintendents of schools, the Department of the Youth Authority, or the Department of Education.
LAEP Flyer for Private For-Profit Employers
LAEP Flyer for Private Nonprofit Employers
For more information, please contact:
California Student Aid Commission
Learning-Aligned Employment Program