We are a nonprofit corporation that has been in operation for over 36 years. We administer training programs that help individuals obtain or retain employment. The company was originally founded in 1983 as Vermont Associates for Training and Development, Inc. Since we have grown outside of Vermont, we now do business as Associates for Training and Development, or A4TD.
We are primarily grant funded. Currently, we operate the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), a program of the United States Department of Labor. The SCSEP is funded under Title V of the Older Americans Act. We also operate various other projects for state governments and private foundations; all of them involve training job seekers to prepare them for work.
SCSEP provides training and employment services to people age 55+. To be eligible, people must also be currently unemployed, meet income requirements, and they must want to work. SCSEP provides part-time, paid training positions in community service assignments at nonprofit agencies. The objective is to help people find and retain jobs, while supporting community service activities performed by our partners. The SCSEP is a transitional program, a bridge linking a mature worker to an improved life and economic independence.
The eligibility requirements of the SCSEP are established by federal law. Eligible individuals are age 55+, unemployed, and at or below 125% of federal poverty level. Some pieces of income are excluded from that calculation, so if you are unsure whether you are eligible, you should check with us! You can complete an application online, and we will help you determine whether or not you are eligible.
Absolutely not. There is no fee to participate in the SCSEP or the Vermont Returnship Program. We do charge tuition for Learn It 2 Work, but options exist for tuition assistance.
Some of the benefits of SCSEP are earned wages, career counseling, annual physical examination funding, on-the-job training, help finding unsubsidized jobs, and access to other appropriate support services. SCSEP helps people get back on their feet so they can find and retain work.
A4TD may still be able to help you. We have a network of training partners who do not have the same income restrictions, and we could provide you with some referrals. As well, many employers contact us looking for candidates, so if you’re looking for work we could help you get connected. If you live in Vermont, you may be interested in the Vermont Returnship Program as an alternative. Contact us to see how we can help!
Participants train an average schedule of 20 hours per week and are paid the minimum wage in their area. We are limited to paying this wage by law. Our goal is to move participants into unsubsidized positions to increase their earnings well above minimum wage. We have a strong record of success!
Wages paid under this program may be counted as income when determining eligibility for other programs. If you have questions about whether other assistance impacts your SCSEP eligibility, we can definitely answer those questions. If you have questions about how SCSEP wages affect your eligibility for other programs, you should contact the agency operating that program.
A4TD’s SCSEP participants contribute to hundreds of nonprofits across the northeast. You can find out more about partnership here, or call the office nearest you for direct assistance.
Would you like to talk to a human? We are here for you! Call us toll-free at 1-800-439-3307.
1-800-439-3307 | 1-802-524-3200 | info@a4td.org
© 2025 Associates for Training & Development | A4TD is an equal opportunity employer that administers equal opportunity programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Free language access assistance is also available. Send an email to jquinn@a4td.org if you are need of these services. Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal.
EO Officer contact information: John Quinn, VP of Administration and EO Officer; 3 Champlain Commons, Suite 2, St. Albans, VT 05478; 800-349-3307 x125 or TDD/TTY Relay 771; jquinn@a4td.org.
A4TD is a proud partner of the American Job Center Network.
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