SCSEP Program History and Success
AARP Foundation first began operating the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) in 1969. At that time, there were six project sites and 313 people served. Today, AARP Foundation SCSEP has nearly 80 project sites in 22 states and Puerto Rico. About 10,000 job seekers are enrolled at any one time.
Funding for SCSEP comes from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The AARP Foundation is one of 18 national sponsors of SCSEP. DOL gives each sponsor or state a yearly grant to pay for its SCSEP program. In addition, each sponsor is responsible for a match to assist with funding the program. AARP Foundation also provides funds to support the program.
In 1996, AARP moved the operation of SCSEP to the AARP Foundation, which is the charitable arm of AARP. The reason for the change was to comply with the Lobbying Disclosure Act. This change was approved by the Department of Labor. Because SCSEP receives federal funds, its employees and participants may not engage in lobbying activities while in a paid status with the program.
Job Placement Success
AARP Foundation SCSEP has an excellent track record in helping people find jobs. Based on the number of funded "slots," AARP Foundation has placed more than 50 percent of participants in jobs in recent years. This is far higher than the 20 percent goal set by the Department of Labor. AARP Foundation leads all other national sponsors in the rate of job placements.
How We Help Communities
While at their Host Agencies, SCSEP participants put in over 10 million hours of community service each year. This is a "win-win" for everyone. The Host Agency gets the help it need to expand services. Meanwhile, the SCSEP participant learns key job skills. Host Agencies include all types of nonprofit groups, such as food banks, libraries, hospitals and day care programs, as well as government (public) agencies.
Whom We Serve
In the year ending June 30, 2006, AARP Foundation SCSEP served a total of 22,000 people. This includes all who were enrolled in the program for all or part of the program year.
Of the total number served:
- 80 percent had family incomes below the poverty level
- 60 percent were minorities
- 66 percent were women
- 15 percent were disabled
- 17 percent were veterans
- 36 percent were high school graduates
- 38 percent had at least one year of college
The age breakdown was as follows:
- 55-59: 40 percent
- 60-64: 26 percent
- 65-69: 17 percent
- 70-74: 10 percent
- 75 and over: 7 percent
AARP Resources:
AARP Foundation SCSEP Program Locator
Locate the closest AARP Foundation SCSEP program.
AARP Foundation
Learn about the AARP Foundation and all its programs.
Give to AARP
Foundation
Help the AARP Foundation further its work by making a donation.
Additional Resources
Federal
Register (Adobe Acrobat required)
The most recent regulations for SCSEP are in the Federal Register
The U.S.
Department of Labor (DOL)
DOL offers information on SCSEP and other federal employment
programs.
AARP Foundation SCSEP is a program of the AARP Foundation.
