SCSEP Facts and Figures

What is the AARP Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)?

The AARP SCSEP provides temporary work experience assignments for people age 55 and over whose incomes fall at or below the federal poverty line. Enrollees are given temporary assignments with nonprofit community organizations (host agencies) where they have an opportunity to sharpen and develop skills while searching for a permanent job.

The goal of the program is for each of its enrollees to gain the skills necessary to find employment outside of the program. The AARP SCSEP program is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor under the authority of the Older Americans Act of 1965. AARP SCSEP has 90 project sites and is located in 31 states and Puerto Rico.

How does the program work?

Eligible applicants are placed in nonprofit or public/community service agencies where they receive on-the-job training for at least 20 hours per week. They are paid at least the current minimum wage. During their temporary assignments, enrollees work with the director of the local SCSEP project to locate permanent part-time or full-time employment.

Enrollees benefit from the AARP SCSEP in many ways, such as getting help in developing job search skills and in locating a permanent job; getting paid work experience to improve job skills and develop new ones; an opportunity to establish a current work history and an up-to-date resume; paid sick leave; paid holidays; worker's compensation insurance; a yearly physical examination; a one-year complimentary AARP membership, and training opportunities.

More about SCSEP

Learn about the program history.
Locate an SCSEP site in your area.
Find out if you are you eligible to participate in the program
Learn how your organization can become a host agency