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AmeriCorps Seniors funding will enable West Virginians to earn certifications and find work

Arlington, VA (Sept. 26, 2023) — The National Council on Aging (NCOA), the national voice for every person’s right to age well, has received an AmeriCorps Seniors grant of $1.6 million to pilot a program that will help older volunteers in the northern panhandle of West Virginia become trained for critically needed health professions.

The older adults will receive certified training at West Virginia Northern Community College to become an EKG technician, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), or phlebotomist. While working on their certifications, the older adults will provide community service to two campuses within the West Virginia University Hospital System. Upon completing their training and community service, NCOA will help them find employment.

“This program is a win-win for older adults and health care employers,” said Ramsey Alwin, NCOA president and CEO. “Many older adults want or need to continue working, and there is a critical shortage of these health professionals, especially in rural areas.

With support and training, these older adults will be able to move into new careers that serve their communities and ensure their own financial security. This local demonstration has national significance that can inform future innovation.”

Sept. 25-29 is National Employ Older Workers Week, an opportunity to recognize the experience and skills older adults bring to the country’s workforce. In addition to this new grant, NCOA manages 24 offices under the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), the nation’s oldest program to help low-income, unemployed people age 55+ find work. SCSEP is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.

AmeriCorps Seniors programs enable adults over age 55 to gain valuable skills through service, helping them gainfully return to the workforce. Trainees serve in all 50 states and the territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. AmeriCorps adapts to meet some of the most pressing needs of communities, advance civic engagement, and empower individuals across the generations to improve lives and communities all over the country.

This material is based upon work that is 90% funded by an AmeriCorps grant totaling $1,788,943. Opinions or points of view expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of, or a position that is endorsed by, AmeriCorps.

About NCOA
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person’s right to age well. We believe that how we age should not be determined by gender, color, sexuality, income, or ZIP code. Working with thousands of national and local partners, we provide resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure every person can age with health and financial security. Founded in 1950, we are the oldest national organization focused on older adults. Learn more at www.ncoa.org and @NCOAging.