The U.S. Department of Labor announced the availability of up to $312 million in funding aimed at creating job training and employment search services for older Americans.
Authorized by the Older Americans Act of 1965, the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a community service and work-based job-training program for low-income, unemployed seniors administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration. SCSEP grants are awarded in a competitive process through a Funding Opportunity Announcement.
The department will award grants to organizations that provide individuals 55 and older with career services, engagement in community service activities, and work experience and job skills training that leads to greater self-sufficiency.
The department will make awards to approximately 10 to 22 applicants. Applicants must have a clear service delivery model that will enable eligible individuals to successfully participate in the program and achieve the goals identified in their Individual Employment Plan, which must initially include an appropriate employment goal for each participant, taking into consideration each participant’s capabilities, needs, and occupational preferences.
Successful SCSEP applicants must also have sound strategies for placing participants into unsubsidized employment, which must include effective methods for developing and maintaining strong relationships with employers, conducting job development activities, and assisting seniors in their job searches.
Applicants must be either a non-profit organization, federal public agency, or a Tribal organization that has the ability to administer a multi-state program to support projects designed to:
- Foster economic self-sufficiency and promote useful part-time work experiences in community service assignments for unemployed low-income individuals who are 55 years of age or older; and
- Facilitate the placement of such individuals into unsubsidized employment in both the public and private sectors.