Census Carnival informs students, offers jobs

Students have the opportunity to make $11 to $13 per hour.

By James Hatler

Published Feb. 12, 2010

The 2010 census is fast approaching and the U.S. government is heavily publicizing the event. The Census Bureau is seeking to employ college students to fill positions.

The census, a once-per-decade count and survey of the American population, will be issued this year in March and April.

The results of the census determine the number of representatives each state will have in the House of Representatives. It also helps set the redistricting boundaries and the distribution of federal government funds.

The Student Union Programming Board joined with a representative from the Census Bureau to host an informational fair, the Census Carnival, on Thursday in Stotler Lounge. The fair was complete with patriotic music, games, popcorn and cotton candy.

"This evening they are having a big push to hire people for the Census," said SUPB spokeswoman Anne Flaker. "We partnered with them because we want to inform students about the importance of taking the Census. It helps the University and community to secure grant and loan money and improve our infrastructure.

The census needs applicants to fill open numerator positions. Employees in these positions go door-to-door to households that do not return their forms and help residents fill out their forms. The job pays $11 to $13 per hour depending on the region.

According to the Census Web site, employees enjoy flexible hours, mileage reimbursement and weekly pay. The fair attracted job seekers looking for employment.

"I was looking for a part time job," senior Anthony Feretti said. "I got some pamphlets, I'll take them home, fill them out and see what I get."

Others at the Census Carnival were looking for a little extra income.

"I already have a job, but depending on how flexible the hours for the Census job would be and how easy it would be to get into it, I'd consider it," senior Ryan Taylor said.

Students living in residence halls and Greek housing will receive the census during April or May and should complete and return it to the census return site.

Off-campus students will receive their census forms in the mail in March. Only one form should be completed per household.

It is important for college students to complete the census form at school rather than in their hometowns, according to an informational handout available at the fair.

Students living with their parents should be counted on their parents' forms.

The census includes general questions about the number of occupants in each household, home ownership, gender, race and ethnicity. It will also include a postage-paid envelope to return the form. The census should take about 10 minutes to complete.