Jayapal Applauds More Than $10 Million to Help Older AANHPI Workers Get Job Training, Find Employment

SEATTLE, WA - U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) applauded an investment of $10,091,442 in federal funding for the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) in Seattle, Washington. This funding will help NAPCA continue its work of assisting older Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) individuals in accessing community service programs that serve as a bridge to employment opportunities.

"Building up and expanding the Seattle area and our country's workforce means ensuring that everyone has access to the training programs and resources necessary to find employment," said Jayapal. "This funding is so important to our community and will help NAPCA continue their meaningful work of connecting our older, low-income AANHPI community with community service programs and job opportunities - helping to ensure long-term financial stability. The Biden-Harris administration's Department of Labor, led by Acting Secretary Julie Su, continues to be a strong champion for all workers across the country."

"The funding we're announcing today advances the Biden-Harris administration's goal of promoting worker-focused training programs that incorporate industry and worker voices," said Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su. "The grants will help enhance access to quality jobs for older workers."

"We greatly appreciate Congresswoman Jayapal and our partners in Congress for helping us secure funding for AANHPI older adults in this critical worker training program," said Clayton Fong, President/CEO, NAPCA. "She brings a unique understanding to the challenges and barriers that many AANHPI older workers face in the workforce as a staunch advocate for immigrant rights."

These funds come from the Department of Labor through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which aims to provide training and career services to low-income older individuals who are seeking to enter or re-enter the workforce.

This funding will assist NAPCA in their work to help older AANHPI individuals with lower incomes gain work experience and overcome barriers to employment. The program provides access to on-the-job training at community-based organizations and government agencies to assist older Americans in participation in both community service and employment.

NAPCA serves more than 1,200 older workers across the country through the SCSEP every year.

Jayapal wrote a letter of support for this funding request earlier this year.

Issues: Jobs, Labor, & the Economy