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Cornell Einhorn Center outlines programs to connect students with Tompkins County governments and nonprofits
Summary
Cornell’s Einhorn Center presented community work‑study, service‑corps and pre‑orientation programs that offer undergraduates to local governments and nonprofits; supervisors were told positions must be created for students and are subject to hiring and supervision requirements.
Representatives from Cornell University’s Einhorn Center described several programs that let local governments and nonprofits hire undergraduates for short-term work and service projects, saying supervisors should plan roles specifically for students and complete program paperwork.
Nicole McPherson, coordinator of Cornell’s Community Work Study program, told Tompkins County Council of Governments members on May 22 that approximately 300 students take part annually and employers must provide job descriptions, supervise students and approve biweekly timesheets. "The positions must have a community service, public interest aspect to them and they have to benefit the community beyond Cornell University," McPherson said.
McPherson outlined typical roles—data analysis, social media and outreach, website updates and operational support—and said the academic year (late August–December and January–May) is the most effective recruitment period. At least 75% of wages for work-study positions are covered by federal work-study funds; employers pay the remainder billed at term end.
The group also described the Empire State Service Corps, a state-funded program that can provide up to 300 hours of student support in focused areas (civic engagement, early childhood, FAFSA assistance, food insecurity, peer mental health support, sustainability and veterans’ outreach). McPherson said Cornell had a small number of slots this inaugural year and that the program carries no direct wage cost to participating employers, though supervisors must provide training and oversight.
Renee Farkas, director of student programs at the Einhorn Center, promoted POST (pre‑orientation service) for incoming students, a short program in August that places small groups at local nonprofits and municipal projects for half- or full-day service activities.
Officials asked about examples and constraints. McPherson said students cannot displace regular staff, cannot perform high‑risk duties (heavy machinery, ladder work above five feet) and driving duties are limited. She encouraged departments with project work to submit position descriptions in late August for fall recruitment but noted year‑round hiring is possible.
Tompkins municipal representatives said they would circulate the materials internally; presenters agreed to share example job descriptions and grant information after the meeting.
