skip to content

skip to content
Seal of U.S. Department of Labor
U.S. Department of Labor
Employment & Training Administration

Photos representing the workforce - Digital Imagery© copyright 2001 PhotoDisc, Inc.

www.doleta.gov
Advanced Search
About Us Find Job & Career Information Business and Industry Workforce Professionals Grants and Contracts ETA Library Foreign Labor Certification Performance and Results Regions and States
ETA Home  >  Senior Community Service Employment Program > 
Sitemap   Printer Friendly Version
About SCSEP
SCSEP 40th Anniversary 1965 - 2005 Training Older Workers
Lawrence finds his SCSEP assignment as a high school security officer to be challenging and rewarding.   Copyright Mark DeLong 2005
Lawrence finds his SCSEP
assignment as a high school security officer to be challenging and rewarding.

Program Description: The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a community service and work based training program for older workers. It was authorized by Congress in Title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965 to provide subsidized, part-time, community service work based training for low-income persons age 55 or older who have poor employment prospects. Through this program, older workers have access to the SCSEP services as well as other employment assistance available through the One-Stop Career Centers of the workforce investment system.

Goal: In addition to providing community services and part-time work based training, the program has a goal of placing into unsubsidized jobs the number of participants equal to 30 percent of the authorized positions. Program participants work an average of 20 hours a week, and are paid the highest of Federal, State or local minimum wage, or the prevailing wage. They are placed in a wide variety of community service activities at non-profit and public facilities, including day-care centers, senior centers, schools and hospitals. It is intended that these community service experiences serve as a bridge to other employment positions that are not supported with Federal funds.

Available Services: Services available through the SCSEP program for assisting older workers are:

  • Community Services - the program provides over 40 million community service hours to public and non-profit agencies, allowing them to enhance and provide needed services
  • Participant Services - Individual Employment Plan (IEP) development, orientation, community service placement, training specific to community service assignment, other training as identified in the IEP, supportive services, wages, fringe benefits, annual physicals, assistance in securing unsubsidized employment, and access to local One-Stop Career Centers.

SCSEP participant contributes to the reading experience of daycare children.  Copyright Mark DeLong 2005
SCSEP participant contributes to
the reading experience of
daycare children.

Eligible Participants: Program participants must be at least 55 and have a family income of no more than 25% over the Federal poverty level. Enrollment priority is given to persons over age 60, veterans, and qualified spouses of veterans. Preference is given to minority, limited English-speaking, and Indian eligible individuals. Preference is also given to eligible individuals who have the greatest economic need.

Program Funding: The SCSEP is currently funded at approximately $433,000,000. All funds are allocated by a formula. Twenty-two percent of the funds are allocated among the States, and 78% are provided to eighteen national organizations that compete to provide services. To maximize resources for older workers, SCSEP grantees have established agreements with other service providers including One-Stop Career Centers, the private sector, adult education and literacy agencies.

Sadie has gained valuable computer skills through her participation in SCSEP.  Copyright Mark DeLong 2005
Sadie has gained valuable
computer skills through
her participation in SCSEP.
Number of Grantees: There are currently 74 grantees. Grant awards are made to 18 national nonprofit organizations (AARP Foundation, Asociacion Nacional Pro Personas Mayores, Easter Seals, Experience Works, Goodwill Industries International, Institute for Indian Development, Mature Services, National Able Network, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging, National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, National Council on the Aging, National Indian Council on Aging, National Urban League, Quality Career Services, Senior Service America, SER-Jobs for Progress National, Vermont Associates for Training & Development, The Workplace) and 56 units of state and territorial governments. In most States, the Governor has selected the State Office on Aging to administer the program. Some states utilize the State Labor Department. States often sub-grant with Area Agencies on Aging or with community based organizations to operate local projects. For specific SCSEP Grantee Allocation information click on the following link:
  • PY 2006 SCSEP Grantee Allotments
  • Number of Participants: Based on the current funding level for the PY 2006, more than 60,000 participant slots are funded, but as a result of job placements and other turnover, more than 90,000 people will be served nationwide.

    Performance Data: For PY 2005 ending June 30, 2006:

    • Total number of enrolled participants = 92,000
    • Unsubsidized placement = 33%
    • Service rate = 167%
    • Female = 70%
    • Minorities = 43%
    • Below poverty level = 81%

    Franke's office setting assignment provides the opportunity to strengthen her computer and administrative skills.   Copyright Mark DeLong 2005
    Franke's office setting assignment provides the opportunity to strengthen her computer and administrative skills.

    Objectives for PY 2006: The legislation was reauthorized by the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2000. Regulations have been prepared to implement the amended Law. The changes include: competition, the creation of statewide senior employment coordination plans, and new performance goals including 1) number of persons served, 2) community services provided, 3) unsubsidized public or private placement into employment, 4) services to the most in need, and 5) satisfaction of the participants, employers, and host agencies.

    For Further Information regarding SCSEP programs in your area: contact your local One-Stop Career Center through the Toll-Free Help Line at 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627), click on America's Service Locator or contact your state grantee.




     
    Created: March 27, 2004
    Updated: May 03, 2007