The U.S. Department of Labor today announced $225 million in additional funding for the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) in fiscal year 2010. The state of Indiana is among the grantees, getting $1.294 million to address unmet needs for employment and job training among low-income, older workers.

“This additional funding greatly expands SCSEP’s ability to serve older workers who face challenges in re-entering the workforce and attaining economic stability,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. “The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to expanding employment opportunities to even more low-income seniors and to enhancing their own career opportunities as they dedicate millions of hours to nonprofit and civic organizations.”

Successful applicants were chosen based on demonstrated need among the older worker populations they serve; the capacity to immediately and effectively expend the additional funds; and past performance in serving older workers.

Only 15 states received more than $1 million in additional funding, and only seven — California, Illinois, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Texas — received more than Indiana. The bulk of the funds went to organizations specifically targeting seniors, such as Experience Works ($49.4 million) and the AARP Foundation ($37.8 million).

SCSEP is a community service and work-based training program for older workers. It provides part-time, community service-based job training for unemployed, low-income individuals age 55 or older. Through this program, older workers have access to SCSEP services as well as other employment assistance available through the workforce investment system.