Support Yourself and Build Your Resume While Giving Back Locally
Don’t let a gap in employment hold you back. These days, hiring managers value current skills over past work history — especially for workers over 50.
If you’re currently between jobs, the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) may be able to help you build the skills you’ll need to make this transition.
As a program participant, you’ll get an opportunity to work at a local nonprofit or public agency where you’ll learn new skills and build self-confidence. You’ll also be expanding your network while giving back to your community.
If you qualify, we’ll match you with a part-time training assignment, where you’ll get:
- Work experience you can put on your resume
- On-the-job training in new computer or vocational skills
- Professional job placement assistance to find full-time employment
- Paid for an average of 20 hours a week
To apply for job placement through AARP Foundation SCSEP, you must be:
- Age 55 and older
- Unemployed
- Living on a limited or low income (if you’re not sure, contact us to find out)
Call Our Hotline
Speak to a representative
Monday–Friday,
9 a.m.–6 p.m., Eastern Time
Se habla Español
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
Se habla Español.
Contact Us Online
Complete this interest form and a member of our team will follow up with you.
Put Our Experience to Work for You
For more than 50 years, AARP Foundation SCSEP has provided adults age 55 and older with opportunities to work in a variety of community service roles at nonprofits and public facilities in their local communities. More than 500,000 jobseekers have found work through the program — you could be next.
There’s a lot of people who, when they hit this age, think they are going to be stuck in a job like fast food forever. But SCSEP works with the individual to find out what their strengths are. I just can’t thank SCSEP enough.
– Ken Mace, SCSEP participant
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the program work?
SCSEP is the nation’s oldest program to help low-income, unemployed individuals age 55 and older find work. Eligible participants gain work experience in a variety of community service activities at non-profit and public facilities – including schools, hospitals, day-care centers, senior centers and charity events. Participants work an average 20 hours a week and receive training on the job, which usually leads to permanent employment.
How do I know if I am eligible?
To apply for job placement through SCSEP, you must be:
- Age 55 and older
- Unemployed
- Living on a limited or low income (if you’re not sure, contact us to find out)
If you don’t qualify, you may still be eligible for other AARP Foundation employment programs — we have lots of programs! Call us at 1-855-850-2525, even if you’re unsure, to find out more.
What are the hours and pay through SCSEP?
You will train an average of 20 hours a week and earn whichever is highest — the federal, state, or local minimum wage. Most participants are trained by SCSEP for about six months before they return to full-time employment.
What kind of training can I get through SCSEP?
As part of SCSEP, you will receive support and learn basic computer and admin skills. You may also receive vocational skills training through an educational institution, where you may earn credits toward your commercial driver’s license or becoming a home health aide.
During your training, you will serve in a vital community service position such as (but not limited to):
- Child care provider
- Customer service representative
- Commercial driver
- Computer technician
- Building maintenance worker
- Home health aide
- Teachers’ aide
Let Us Know You’re Interested
Fill out the contact form and we’ll be in touch.
Call Our Hotline
To see if you’re eligible and get assistance applying, call to speak to a member of the AARP Foundation team.
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time
Se habla Español.