WASHINGTON, DC—AARP Foundation, during National Employ Older Workers Week, announced it has expanded its workforce opportunities for older workers through several programs, including the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), BACK TO WORK 50+, and Work for Yourself@50+. These programs are particularly relevant given that the number of Americans age 50+ who are working or looking for work has grown significantly over the past decade and is expected to continue to increase. The number of 50+ U.S. labor force participants is anticipated to grow from 25% in 2002 to 35% by 2022.

“Our programs are focused on increasing economic opportunities and social connections that help prevent and reduce poverty among older adults,” said Emily Allen, senior vice president, AARP Foundation Programs. “Finding and keeping a job today requires new and varied skills. Our workforce programs are designed to offer the specific resources, guidance, and connections necessary for older adults to obtain good jobs, advance in their careers, or identify new income generation opportunities.”

AARP Foundation’s three main workforce programs include:

SCSEP is the nation's oldest program to help low-income, unemployed individuals aged 55+ find employment. AARP Foundation matches eligible older job seekers with local nonprofits and public agencies so they can increase skills and build self-confidence while earning a modest income. Based on their employment interests and goals, participants may also receive supportive services and skills training through an educational institution. In the most recently completed grant year, 65% of AARP Foundation’s exiting participants entered employment.

AARP’s Foundation’s BACK TO WORK 50+ works with 18 community colleges, workforce investment boards and nonprofits in 29 communities to supply older adults with training, support and access to employers. Since its inception in 2013, BACK TO WORK 50+ has helped over 30,000 people received job search strategies and tools.

AARP Foundation’s Work for Yourself@50+ is designed to help vulnerable older adults assess opportunities for self-employment, build skills, and connect with resources that will enable them to generate income by working for themselves. The program has 29 grantees in 38 metro areas, with 15 new grantees added over the past few months. Work for Yourself@50+ is made possible in part through a grant from the Hartford.

Success stories of AARP Foundation workforce program participants can be found here: http://blog.aarpfoundation.org.

Information about all of these programs can be found at http://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/income/.

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About AARP Foundation
AARP Foundation works to ensure that low-income older adults have nutritious food, affordable, livable and healthy housing, a steady income, and strong and sustaining bonds. We collaborate with individuals and organizations who share our commitment to innovation and our passion for problem-solving. Supported by vigorous legal advocacy, we create and advance effective solutions that help struggling older adults transform their lives. AARP Foundation is the affiliated charity of AARP. Learn more at aarpfoundation.org.