Is work-study meant to help fund college or also to enhance learning in some way?

[bluebayou]

the problem is that Harvard is using Federal Funds, earmarked for providing kids with work that has educational value,

sry, but that is incorrect. There is no federal requirement that the work study job contain educational value. (It may be a recommendation, but not a requirement.)

The program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study.

https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/work-study