The Labor Department announced on Friday that $203 million in grants will be distributed to offer job training and career services for low-income older adults seeking to rejoin the workforce.
Under the Senior Community Service Employment Program, $193 million will be allocated to 19 national nonprofit organizations, with an additional $9 million designated to support older workers from Native American and Asian American/Pacific Islander communities.
Distribution of Grants
Grants will be distributed across 14 states and the District of Columbia.
In a statement, the Labor Department noted that these funds “will empower program participants to transition into unsubsidized jobs in both public and private sectors, encourage self-sufficiency, and provide part-time work opportunities through community service assignments for unemployed low-income individuals aged 55 and older.”
Major Recipients
The AARP Foundation in Washington, D.C., is set to receive the largest allocation, amounting to $30,298,545.
The Center for Workforce Inclusion in Maryland will get $30,071,551, while the National Council on Aging in Virginia will be awarded $22,621,421.
Other recipients include the National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, which will receive $15,925,630, Goodwill Industries in Maryland with $14,640,900, and Easter Seals, which will be granted $14,405,401.
Dedicated grants for Native American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities will be distributed to the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging ($4,583,922), the National Indian Council on Aging ($2,702,509), and the Institute for Indian Development ($1,881,413).
Addressing Job Security Concerns
The grants, authorized by the Older Americans Act, aim to address the genuine need of many older Americans seeking employment.
A 2022 study found that older individuals concerned about job security are at a greater risk of experiencing memory loss as they age. Those who felt insecure about their jobs worrying about potential layoffs, firings, or early retirement scored 3% lower on memory tests compared to their more secure counterparts.