References: The SCSEP regulations at 20 CFR Section 641.326; Older Americans Act, (OAA) Section 502(e); Older Worker Bulletins 94-12 and 97-7. Background: The Section 502(e) experimental projects were first authorized in the Older Americans Act of 1978. Experimental projects focus on increasing older worker participation in the private sector, especially in high technology and high growth fields, by combinations of work-sharing, flexitime and other means to increase employment opportunities. Section 502(e)(1) of the OAA directs the Secretary of Labor "...to conduct experimental programs that are designed to assure second career training and the placement of eligible individuals into employment opportunities with private business concerns." To comply with this section of the Act, the Department has undertaken experimental job training projects through SCSEP sponsors. The first year of implementation for the experimental projects was Program Year 1983. OAA Section 502(e) projects are effective tools in achieving one of the purposes of the SCSEP program; namely, the transition to unsubsidized employment pursuant to the regulations at 20 CFR Section 641.326. Further, OAA Section 502(e) projects may be the best vehicle for obtaining job placements in the private for-profit sector, where wages and fringe benefits are likely to be greater than in the public or non-profit sectors. Thus, such projects can facilitate the achievement of economic self-sufficiency for SCSEP enrollees. Innovative Experimental Aspect: Projects funded under Section 502(e) should be innovative and experimental. If it can be done within the normal Title V program, it would not be considered innovative. The objectives of the experimental projects are to develop the skills of older individuals and to develop work modes, such as flex-time, job sharing, and other arrangements to reduce physical exertion. The test for innovation must include consideration of the proposed project under the existing program guidelines. The emphasis of these projects should be on placements into the private sector. Action Required: SCSEP sponsors are encourage to review the attached TAG to consider implementation, or to facilitate improvement, of OAA Section 502(e) projects. Inquiries: Questions should be directed to your Federal Representative at (202) 219-5904.

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References: a. The Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), as amended; b. JTPA Final Rules, as published in the Federal Register on September 2, 1994; c. Training and Employment Guidance Letter No. 2-97 (February 23, 1998), "Instructions for Submission of Consolidated State Plans Under Titles II and III of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) for Program Years (PYs) 1998 and 1999; and PY 1998 Wagner-Peyser (W-P) Planning Guidance". d. Training and Employment Information Notice No. 33-92 (June 1, 1993), "Child Labor Restrictions Applicable to Youth Participants in Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) Funded Programs". e. Training and Employment Guidance Letter No. 7-95 (July 31, 1996), "Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) Intertitle Transfers of Funds". f. Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203 (m)), as amended by the Minimum Wage Increase Act of 1996. Background: The Summer Youth Employment and Training Program, funded under Title II-B of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) provides summer jobs and training for economically disadvantaged youth ages 14-21 during the summer months. These programs provide participants with academic enrichment, including basic and remedial education, work-experience with public and private agencies and support services such as counseling and transportation. The Department of Labor is obligating $871 million to the States, Territories and Insular areas for the CY 1998 SYETP under Title II-B of the JTPA. Allocations are attached. As was the case with last year's funds, these funds are being obligated as fiscal year (FY), not program year (PY) funds. Notices of Obligation (NOOs) have been issued under the current PY 1997 JTPA grant agreement to obligate these funds to the States, and they will not be combined with Title II-A and Title II-C funds. As was done last summer, States will be required to submit a separate JTPA Title II-B Quarterly Status Report (JQSR) for these FY 1998 Title II-B funds. These funds will be reported separately from Title II-A and Title II-C PY 1997 data. Additionally, as States draw cash under the Payment Management System (PMS) for Title II-B FY 1998 funds, these II-B funds will be accounted for separately, similarly to how the FY 1997 II-B funds are being handled. Program Vision, Emphases and Goals/Objectives:

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Background: Americans age 55 and older are one of our Nation's most valuable resources, and their productive and creative potential to American society should be fully utilized. Millions of these Americans actively contribute to our common good through their hard work, experience, and wisdom. Because Americans are living longer, healthier lives, our society could be enriched if we could draw even more effectively on the talents of these older Americans. Despite their qualifications, many people 55 and older experience serious difficulty finding work if they lose a job or desire new employment. As a Nation, we are witnessing a dramatic growth of the population of Americans 55 and older that will continue well into the 21st century. This will have profound impact on our workforce and our society. Our laws and government agencies are responding to these challenges, offering protections, programs, and services for older workers. Every day millions of older Americans look to the Age Discrimination Act, the Older Americans Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act to secure their basic rights. The Department of Labor and the Department of Health and Human Services are at the fore, helping countless older workers through such efforts as the Senior Community Service Employment Program and programs of the Administration on Aging. Older Americans have earned our admiration and respect. They are role models for our Nation and protectors of our most important traditions and values. As we have all observed, older workers are as effective, or more so, than younger workers due to their unique skills, experiences and judgment. Therefore, it is important for, indeed in the self-interest of, employers to recognize and fully utilize this rich resource. Inquiries: Please contact your ETA Regional Office for further information regarding this National Older Workers Employment Week, 1998.

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