The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a community service and work-based job-training program for older Americans. Authorized by the Older Americans Act, the program provides training for low-income, unemployed older adults. Participants also have access to employment assistance through American Job Centers.
Impact
SCSEP participants gain work experience in a variety of community service activities at non-profit and public facilities, including schools, hospitals, day-care centers, and senior centers.
The program provides more than 40 million community service hours to public and non-profit agencies, allowing them to enhance and provide needed services. Participants work an average of 20 hours a week and are paid the highest federal, state, or local minimum wage. This training serves as a bridge to unsubsidized employment opportunities for participants.
Who can participate?
Participants must be at least 55, unemployed, and have a family income of no more than 125% of the federal poverty level. Enrollment priority is given to veterans and qualified spouses, then to individuals who are over 65, have a disability, have low literacy skills or limited English proficiency, reside in a rural area, are homeless or at risk of homelessness, have low employment prospects, or have failed to find employment after using services through the SC Works system.
SCSEP National Facts
- During a program year, employment (unsubsidized) is secured for approximately 48% of the participants
- Eighty percent (80%) of the participants retain their employment for at least 12 months
- Training periods average 36 months