WASHINGTON, DC — AARP Foundation, during National Employ Older Workers Week, announced it has expanded its workforce opportunities for older workers through BACK TO WORK 50+, Work for Yourself@50+ and AARP Foundation SCSEP.

The number of older adults who are working or looking for work has grown significantly over the past decade, and the number of U.S. labor force participants 50 and older is expected to increase to 35 percent by 2022. As life expectancy in the U.S. rises, and a growing number of baby boomers reach retirement age, 44 percent of low-income older workers say they have no plans to retire within the next five years. This makes AARP Foundation’s workforce programs more vital than ever.

Since its inception, BACK TO WORK 50+ has helped close to 55,000 people receive job search strategies and tools, while Work for Yourself@50+ has supported nearly 10,000 older adults on their self-employment journey. In 2017, AARP Foundation SCSEP served more than 14,000 people, partnered with over 3,600 community agencies, and placed more than 3,300 participants in jobs.

“Finding and keeping a good job today requires new and varied skills, especially related to changing technologies in the workplace. It is particularly important for older workers to learn and acquire new skills,” said Emily Allen, the Foundation’s senior vice president of programs. “AARP Foundation’s workforce programs teach struggling jobseekers the skills they need to compete with confidence for today’s in-demand jobs or explore self-employment. By continuing to expand these programs, we aim to further increase the economic opportunities and social connections that help reduce senior poverty.”

AARP Foundation has three main workforce programs:

BACK TO WORK 50+ works with 19 community colleges, workforce investment boards and nonprofits in 28 communities to supply older adults with training, support and access to employers. More information about BACK TO WORK 50+ can be found at aarp.org/backtowork50plus.

Work for Yourself@50+ is designed to help vulnerable older adults improve financial outcomes by assessing opportunities for self-employment, building skills, and connecting with resources that will enable them to generate income by working for themselves. AARP Foundation collaborates with over 20 program partners across 16 states nationwide and in 25 metro areas.  For more information, visit aarpfoundation.org/workforyourself.

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is the nation’s oldest program to help low-income, unemployed individuals age 55 and older find work. Authorized by the Older Americans Act and funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, SCSEP provides training assignments designed to enhance skills that enable low-income, unemployed older adults to obtain unsubsidized 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. Their SCSEP experience often leads to permanent employment. More information can be found at aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/income/scsep/.

AARP Foundation also offers several additional workforce programs, including advancement training for frontline employees and collaborations with workforce development agencies to provide job search resources and online learning opportunities for low-income older adults.

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About AARP Foundation

AARP Foundation works to end senior poverty by helping vulnerable older adults build economic opportunity and social connectedness. As AARP’s charitable affiliate, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike. Bolstered by vigorous legal advocacy, we spark bold, innovative solutions that foster resilience, strengthen communities and restore hope.

AARP Foundation. For a future without senior poverty.

For Further Information: AARP Media Relations, 202-434-2560, media@aarp.org, @AARPMedia