Labor Department announces availability of $338 million in grants for job training, related services to unemployed, low-income seniors

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the opening of a $338 million grant competition for national organizations to provide critical job training and related services to low-income, older American workers through the Senior Community Service Employment Program. 

Approximately $338 million in grants are available for national grantees in Program Year 2016. The total SCSEP appropriation is approximately $434 million; the remaining approximately $96 million will be awarded to state and territorial grantees based on a statutory formula, and will cover program administration.

“The funds announced today will provide important opportunities for low-income seniors across the country to access jobs that benefit themselves and their communities,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. “These grants support our mission to help every American who wants to work find a job that can contribute to economic stability.”

The department anticipates funding between 10-22 grants that will serve more than 53,000 older Americans per year, with award amounts expected to range between $2 million and $50 million. 

The SCSEP fosters economic self-sufficiency, provides career skills training, and promotes useful part-time employment through community service assignments for unemployed, low-income individuals aged 55 years or older who have poor employment prospects. The SCSEP provides older workers with access to comprehensive services such as orientations, community service assignments, occupational, work skills and aptitude assessments, skills training, free physical examinations, an assessment of needs based supportive services and job search assistance. Additionally, SCSEP participants can receive employment assistance through the American Job Centers.

SCSEP national, state and territorial grantees spend more than 35 million hours per year working in community service assignments at public agencies and non-profit organizations while simultaneously developing crucial job skills that foster self-sufficiency.

The Funding Opportunity Announcement, which includes information on how to apply, is available at www.grants.gov.