Work-Study Program

WHAT IS WORK-STUDY?

Work-study enables qualified students to earn financial credits which may be used to pay for HRS membership fees and dues plus the cost of towing, aircraft rental, and instruction. These credits are earned in exchange for service as ground crew on the airfield and for other work that contributes to the general operation of Hood River Soaring (HRS), including help with our glider rides activity, grounds maintenance, website, and social media.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR WORK-STUDY?

Any person between the ages of 13-25 who is a member of HRS may qualify for work-study. 25 year old students may earn credits up to their 26th birthday. The first step to qualify is to submit the Work-Study Application. As soon as the application is approved the student may begin earning credits.

In order to use their credits to pay for services, students must:

• match with a Mentor in a personal meeting (including parent/guardian if still in Middle/High School) to decide how they will meet their flying goals;
• pass a written pre-solo exam;
• fly twice monthly during the active season (April - October); and
• submit a brief of progress to their mentor each month to be shared with the HRS Board of Directors.

WHAT IS A PRE-SOLO EXAM?

The pre-solo exam is an open-book test of a student’s knowledge of glider aerodynamics, operations, and procedures. It also tests knowledge of local flying conditions and hazards. The exam is administered by a certified instructor and must be satisfactorily completed before the student may fly solo. Completing the pre-solo written exam is required by the Work-Study Program to demonstrate a student’s commitment to the rigors of aviation training.

WHAT DOES THE MENTOR DO?

The mentor supervises the student’s progress, answers questions, and gives personal support and guidance for as long as the student is participating in the Work-Study Program. The mentor may also act as a liaison with other organizations and individuals as needed. The Youth Program Committee seeks to make sure that students and mentors are suitably matched.

WHAT KIND OF GUIDANCE IS PROVIDED FOR THE WORK THAT’S PERFORMED?

The Work-Study Program functions just like any job that requires on-the-job training and management. Students are assisted by work advisers who teach them specific skills such as ground crew operations, and who give them direction to accomplish their assigned tasks.

HOW IS THE VALUE OF WORK-STUDY CREDITS DETERMINED?

Any approved task or project is credited at the entry level rate of $20/hr. Youth members who have earned their private glider pilot certificate are compensated at the rate of $25/hr. Youth program members with exceptional work experience may apply at any time to receive a higher level of compensation. The application will be reviewed and a determination made by the youth program committee.

The credits are not cash and they are not directly paid to the student. They are held in a credit account and may be used to pay for HRS membership fees and dues plus the cost of towing, instruction, and aircraft rental. Students may begin earning credits as soon as their work-study applications are approved. However, credits may not be used to pay for fees or services until the student has matched with a Mentor and completed the required pre-solo exam.

HOW ARE WORK-STUDY HOURS LOGGED AND TRACKED?

A personal file is created for each work-study participant. The file includes an official form which students use to log their hours. The form is reviewed by the student's mentor or project manager. The credit value for the hours worked is tracked on the form including a record of how the credit is applied and the student's current credit balance.

DO WORK-STUDY CREDITS EVER EXPIRE?

No, the credits do not expire. They may be redeemed at any time as long as long as the students' HRS membership is current.

CAN WORK-STUDY CREDITS BE TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER STUDENT?

No, work-study credits may only be used by the person who earned them. They are not transferable.

CAN WORK-STUDY CREDITS BE USED TO PAY FOR HRS MEMBERSHIP FEES?

Yes, credits may be used to pay for HRS membership fees. Additionally, a student who needs financial assistance to pay for membership may apply for a scholarship. Please talk with a member of the Youth Program Committee to learn more about scholarship opportunities.

CAN STUDENTS PROPOSE A SPECIAL PROJECT TO EARN WORK-STUDY $CREDITS?

Yes! We welcome students’ initiative to design and carry out special projects of their own choosing. Creativity is encouraged! For a new project to be approved, the student must submit a written proposal that describes the project and shows how it will benefit HRS. The proposal should outline the specific tasks that the student will perform, and give an estimate of the time it will take to carry out the tasks. Students may request assistance from their mentors in creating a proposal.

CAN WORK-STUDY EXPERIENCE BE ADDED TO A RESUME?

Work-study is a real job. The experience gained and the job performance may definitely contribute to a work resume. Letters of reference may be sought from the student's mentor and the Youth Program Committee.​