US Department of Labor announces availability of $346 million in grants through Senior Community Service Employment Program

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of $346 million in grants through the Senior Community Service Employment Program to provide community service-based job training opportunities for unemployed older Americans.

"The job training programs funded through these grants will enhance employment opportunities for seniors through training while also linking them with businesses that are looking for qualified employees," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

The Labor Department anticipates awarding 10 to 20 grants that will serve a total of approximately 35,700 individuals. Eligible grant applicants include nonprofit organizations, federal public agencies, and tribal organizations and consortia. Applicants must have the ability to administer a multi-state program that meets all of the eligibility and responsibility requirements.

The Senior Community Service Employment Program, authorized by Title V of the Older Americans Act, is the only federally-sponsored employment and training program targeted specifically to unemployed, low-income seniors 55 and older. The program has dual goals of promoting community service and helping participants achieve economic self-sufficiency by guiding them into unsubsidized employment, where appropriate. Program participants provide more than 48 million hours of community service to public agencies and nonprofit organizations annually.

The solicitation for grant applications will be published in the March 9 edition of the Federal Register. Both the solicitation and information on how to apply for a grant are available at http://www.doleta.gov/grants/find_grants.cfm.

For more information on the Senior Community Service Employment Program, visit http://www.doleta.gov/seniors.