US Department of Labor announces nearly $597 million in continued funding to support community service-based job training programs for seniors

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today released $596,525,000 in funds to continue support for 74 state, territory and national grantees of the Senior Community Service Employment Program for program year 2010. These funds will enable income and training support for 61,900 individuals ages 55 and older, who have low incomes or are unemployed. At least 75 percent of SCSEP funds will go to provide these individuals with part-time, paid community service-based job training program opportunities throughout the country.

"Older workers are an essential part of our nation's present and an increasingly greater part of its future, but it can be difficult for this dynamic sector of our population to access good jobs," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "At the U.S. Department of Labor, we are committed to ensuring older workers have access to the training and other professional services they both need and deserve. The SCSEP program assists participants in enhancing their marketability and allows them the opportunity to further contribute to their communities."

Through this program, participants will provide more than 40 million hours of community service to public agencies and nonprofit organizations annually. Grant awards are being made to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as 18 national nonprofit organizations. SCSEP services are available in every county in the U.S.

Funds are being awarded to each state either directly or through one of the following 18 national organizations: AARP Foundation; Asociacion Nacional Pro Personas Mayores; Easter Seals Inc.; Experience Works Inc.; Goodwill Industries International Inc.; Institute for Indian Development Inc.; Mature Services Inc.; National Able Network Inc.; National Asian Pacific Center on Aging; National Caucus and Center on Black Aged Inc.; National Council on the Aging Inc.; National Indian Council on Aging Inc.; National Urban League; Quality Career Services Inc.; SER Job for Progress National Inc.; Senior Service America Inc.; Vermont Associates for Training Development Inc.; and The Work Place Inc.

Editor's Note: A chart reflecting the dollar amounts benefiting each state follows this news release.