I Am Empowered

What is the Mature Worker Program?

Authorized by the Older Americans Act, the Mature Worker Program (MWP) is a workforce development program that provides subsidized, service-based training for low-income, unemployed persons 55 or older.

The goal of the program is to provide workers with on-the-job training to help them develop the skills and confidence to find unsubsidized employment. Participants are placed in a wide variety of community service activities at non-profit and public facilities, including day-care centers, senior centers, schools and hospitals.

Participants work an average of 20 hours a week, and are paid the highest of federal, state or local minimum wage.

MWP Services include:

Community Service Training and Placement
Case Management Support
Individual Employment Plan
Workforce Fundamentals Workshop
Job Placement and Retention
Wages and Fringe Benefits
Financial Literacy Training
Business Development

Our Impact

From 2005 to 2011, the National Urban League has served more than 8,100 participants through its Mature Worker Program. In 2011, we served approximately 1,800 participants, finishing the program year with a 25 percent employment rate and 77 percent retention rate.

The following are 2011 participant demographics:

Below the Poverty Level – 91 %
Low Employment Prospects – 79%
Receiving Public Assistance – 62%
Highest Education is HS/GED – 43%
Disability – 18%
Homelessness or At-Risk – 18%
Veterans, or Spouses Served – 10%

Apply for MWP Services

To apply for services, contact the project office in the county nearest you to arrange an appointment. Click here to learn more about applying for the Mature Worker Program.

The National Urban League’s Mature Worker Program has offices in six states that serve the counties listed:

Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts
Massachusetts (Norfolk and Suffolk counties)

Urban League of Detroit and Southeastern Michigan
Michigan (Macomb, Oakland, Wayne counties)

Urban League of Essex County
New Jersey (Essex county)

Urban League of Westchester County
Long Island, New York (Nassau and Suffolk counties)
(914) 428-6300

Louisville Urban League
Kentucky (Jefferson County)

Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania (Allegheny county)

If your state or county is not listed above, call the Department of Labor’s One-Stop Career Center at 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627). In addition to the National Urban League, a number of other organizations sponsor similar programs known as Senior Community Service Employment Programs (SCSEP). To find a SCSEP in your state, click here.

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