The Department of Service and Civic Innovation connects talent of all ages with opportunities to work and serve in Maryland

The Department of Service and Civic Innovation offers multigenerational service opportunities for Marylanders from all walks of life and experiences. Maryland Corps and Service Year Option members often work side by side for the same host site partners as well as receive their professional development and civic literacy training together.

The Department of Service and Civic Innovation (DSCI) is all about promoting the value of a multigenerational workforce. With programs that benefit younger adults who wish to enter the state’s public service sectors, and older adults who want the opportunity to serve, DSCI is committed to cultivating talent of all ages into service for the State of Maryland. 

MDOA and several Area Agencies on Aging are participating as host site employers in DSCI’s Service Year Option program which connects young people with career opportunities that complement their personal and professional interests. 

“We need to encourage more young people to explore careers in Maryland’s aging networks,” said MDOA Secretary Carmel Roques. “As the demand for aging-related programs and services continues to rise, investing in young talent today will help create a more innovative and sustainable future as the aging population continues to grow.”

The Service Year Option program offers unique opportunities for young Marylanders without a college degree or professional training to gain important skills and experience while earning a steady paycheck. Participating employers provide key details about open positions, and applicants are matched to opportunities that align with their specific interests and passions through a detailed intake questionnaire. 

“The goal of the Department of Innovation and Civic Innovation’s Service Year Option program is to get young people more fully engaged in their communities through service,” said Chip Brown, DSCI’s Communications Director. “By investing in our young people, we are also investing in Maryland’s economic future and stability.”

The benefits of a multigenerational workforce are well documented. Companies with diverse age groups have higher financial returns and lower turnover rates. Maryland businesses that promote intergenerational contributions are in-turn supporting a more secure community by keeping Maryland workers in Maryland. 

While older workers provide valuable experience, productivity, and retention benefits, Chip explains that younger workers bring their own set of important skills and perspectives to the workplace. By channeling young people with a passion for helping older adults into career opportunities in aging sectors, the program can help advance the future of aging in Maryland.

There are a wide range of career paths to pursue within the aging network. Gerontology, social work, occupational therapy, and senior recreation offer diverse opportunities for young people to make a meaningful impact on what it means to age in Maryland. A growing demand for innovative solutions to enhance the quality of life for older adults requires advancements in technology, housing, and community planning. This diversity allows individuals to find a niche that aligns with their passions and skills, ensuring a fulfilling and dynamic career path.

Additionally, the aging sector is a growing industry. Governments and private sectors are increasingly investing in the care infrastructure and other aging-related services, creating a robust job market and the potential for competitive salaries. This economic stability is attracting young workers seeking long-term career prospects in a reliable and essential field.

While DSCI’s Service Year Option focuses on young adults entering the workforce, AmeriCorps is another service program administered by DSCI designed to make it possible for everyone to have an opportunity to serve. “Anyone, any age, any background can apply to be an AmeriCorps member,” said Chip.

AmeriCorps Seniors offers adults aged 55 and over a variety of opportunities to serve, such as foster grandparenting at-risk youth, providing companionship and assistance to older adults who need it, or channeling lifelong skills into community service of all kinds. Some of these opportunities provide compensation in the form of stipends.

Recognizing how DSCI supports key aspects of Longevity Ready Maryland, Chip adds “The Moore/Miller administration is taking a comprehensive approach to keep talent in the state. We can support each other.”

If you are interested in learning more about DSCI’s programs, visit serve.maryland.gov. For more information about AmeriCorps Seniors, visit americorps.gov/seniors.

Maryland Ranks 7th in the nation for growth in workers aged 65 and over

Source: Lending Tree analysis of U.S. Census data

Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington (JCA)  provides workforce training opportunities for older adults

The JCA Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) provides on-the-job training for people with low income who are age 55 and older and live in Montgomery and Frederick counties. Trainees receive minimum wage while working at nonprofits and government agencies to build their skills and resumes while delivering valuable community service. JCA SCSEP Director Cathy Nestoriak is also participating in an LRM Work Group to help inform workforce development plans for older adults in Maryland. Visit the JCA website for more information about their program and eligibility requirements.

MDOA participates in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

MDOA has been selected by the Department of Labor to serve as a training site for the SCSEP, which provides training for low-income, unemployed older adults. Two part-time SCSEP participants will gain valuable work experience while enhancing constituent support services provided by MDOA. If you want to learn more about ways your business or organization can participate, visit the SCSEP website.

The Center for Workforce Inclusion connects adults aged 50+ with job training and employment opportunities

For over 6 decades, the Center for Workforce Inclusion has helped older adults from low-income households find employment. It serves 35 states and territories including Maryland and has trained more than 489,000 older workers. If you are an older adult seeking employment opportunities, or a business or organization who would like to benefit by adding more older adults to your workplace, visit the Center for Workforce Inclusion website to learn how you can participate in their programs.