All too often, we fail to draw upon the experience, knowledge, and ideas of older Americans. The potential pool of Americans 55 years of age and older who serve their communities is substantial and expected to grow by more than 22 percent in the next decade. Today, more than half of the individuals considered a part of the Baby Boomer generation are interested in providing meaningful service to their communities, but research shows that they are not adequately connected to national service opportunities.

The Encore Service Act will harness the enormous power of older Americans by offering them the chance to serve their communities and give back to their country.  Not only will this bipartisan legislation benefit countless communities across the country, but it can also serve as an important pathway and transition experience for those who serve, leading them to a second career in the public or nonprofit sector.

Bill Summary

The Encore Service Act would:

• Create the Encore Service Program which would provide Americans 55 years and older with opportunities to serve high-need communities in return for a stipend and education award, much like the AmeriCorps program. Education awards may be transferred to children, grandchildren or other designees and participants may serve full or part time.

• Creates the Encore Fellows Program which would place Americans 55 years of age and older in one-year management or leadership positions in public or private nonprofit organizations. These year-long fellowships not only increase the capacity of public service organizations, they promote the concept of later life transitions into community and public service among professional that have finished their midlife careers.

• Creates the Silver Scholars Program which would award Americans 55 years of age and older with an education scholarship of up to $1,000 in exchange for volunteering with public agencies or private nonprofits between 250-500 hours a year. Education awards may be transferred to children, grandchildren or other designees.

• Expand the capacity of current Senior Programs by raising the authorization levels for the Foster Grandparent, Senior Corps and RSVP programs, raising program eligibility levels from 125% to 200% above poverty and modifies the age of eligibility so all programs are open to individuals 55 years and older.

Current Endorsements:

AARP, Easter Seals, National Association of RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), National Association of Foster Grandparent Program Directors, National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), Experience Wave, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aged (AAHSA), B'nai B'rith International, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Providers, The Gerontological Society of America, Points of Lights Foundation, National Senior Corps Association (NSCA), National Council on Aging