Senior Community Service Employment Program Outcomes

September 2021 - December 2021

Summary

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) provides subsidized community service work to low-income Americans 55 and older. The program is unique in that it targets older workers and offers insight into employment outcomes later in life. SCSEP has two statutory goals, providing opportunities for community service and transitioning participants to unsubsidized employment. This report explores how well SCSEP is meeting its dual purpose before turning to whether those proposals are broad enough to capture the important benefits of SCSEP.  

The report specifically:

  • Examines SCSEP’s ability to provide community service positions to the target population. 
  • Evaluates SCSEP’s ability to transition participants into unsubsidized employment. 
  • Considers whether the performance accountability system encourages better management in service of SCSEP’s dual purpose. 
  • Assesses SCSEP’s benefits in addition to providing community service and transitioning participants to unsubsidized employment. 
  • Analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SCSEP.

Client

U.S. Government Accountability Office