NAPCA Awarded $14 Million to Help America's Diverse Mature Workforce

 SEATTLE, WA, September 28, 2020– The US Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration (DOL-ETA) has awarded the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) $14 million in 2020-21 and for the upcoming 4 years to operate the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), a community service and work-based job training program for older Americans. NAPCA is one of 20 national non-profit organizations to receive the award and will operate SCSEP in 59 counties in 7 states.

“NAPCA is the only Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) national organization to receive an award to operate the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) from the Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration (DOL-ETA). SCSEP provides job-skills and training to diverse older workers – thereby lifting them out of poverty and restoring their dignity. By 2030, 20% of US workers will be 65 or older,” said Anna E. Crosslin, Chair of NAPCA’s Board of Directors. “They are most at-risk to being left behind because of the socioeconomic inequities that persist in our systems,” she added.

SCSEP serves those 55 and older who are unemployed and have a family income of no more than 125% of the federal poverty level. The program provides qualified participants with paid training opportunities through community service activities at non-profit and public facilities to serve as a bridge to long term, unsubsidized employment opportunities. SCSEP prioritizes individuals who are veterans and qualified spouses, are over 65, have a disability, have low literacy skills or limited English proficiency, reside in a rural area, are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and have low employment prospects.

“Now more than ever, we need to act to address the poverty crisis impacting our nation’s older adults and acknowledge the importance of the SCSEP program in light of the economic and health inequities accelerated by COVID-19. Prior to the pandemic, more than 7 million older adults were identified to be living below the federal poverty guidelines with the trajectory of reaching 72 million in the next ten years. This award reflects the dedication of NAPCA’s staff and we receive the award as a call to action to stand and serve in the widening gap for our country’s diverse older adults," said Joon Bang, NAPCA’s President & CEO.