The program goals are the enhancement of employment opportunities for older Americans and the promotion of older workers as a solution for businesses seeking a trained, qualified, and reliable workforce. The strategy is to utilize a service approach that can respond quickly and effectively to the changing needs of business. In program year 2006-2007, the New York State Office for the Aging received $5,422,528 to fund 798 slots throughout the state.
Through the SCSEP, grantees reach out to seniors who are most in need; provide a thorough assessment and assistance in developing an employment plan; provide community service work experience opportunities that build skills and also contribute to local agencies (last year, SCSEP participants performed more than 60 million hours of community service nationwide with a 300 percent return on investment to the communities served); provide computer and other basic skills training, and in some cases training for in-demand local jobs and in emerging employment sectors; teach much-needed job-search skills customized to older workers; and build older workers’ confidence and self-esteem so they can compete for jobs. These services have been proven historically valuable to older workers, employers, and communities.
