Sherry Foster was recently fast-tracked to become a permanent member of an employment agency, a win for the MASST program, which provides on-the-job skills training for older workers.
Jim Warren is in his third year as MASST coordinator for Northern and Interior regions, based in Fairbanks.
Every year, the Department of Labor designates the last full week of September as National Employ Older Workers Week: Sept 21-27, 2025. The NEOW Week recognizes the vital role of older workers in the workforce, and it highlights the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which provides on-the-job skills training for seniors, 55 and older, with limited financial resources. SCSEP was authorized under the Older Americans Act of 1965. Here in Alaska, SCSEP is known as Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Training (MASST).
September is a great time to celebrate and encourage older workers as they seek employment. We can also celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Older Americans Act and the SCSEP program. In the past 60 years, SCSEP has helped over one million older Americans enter the workforce. As seniors become an ever-larger segment of the population, they are going to become a larger and more important segment of the workforce.
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators recently reintroduced the Older Americans Act (OAA) Reauthorization Act to extend OAA's vital nutrition, health and employment service through 2030. The reauthorization would apply to SCSEP as well, and that means it would also authorize MASST through 2030. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), chair of the Senate health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, is sponsoring the reauthorization bill in the Senate. "The Older Americans Act is crucial in helping American seniors live healthy and independent lives in the settings they choose," said Sen. Cassidy. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee and a cosponsor of the bill, further noted the importance of investing in services for older adults. "One in six older Americans are served by programs funded by the OAA," Gillibrand said. "We owe it to seniors to strengthen and continue funding these programs, so they have the support they need to age with dignity and respect."
Here in Alaska, MASST supports seniors in their journey toward unsubsidized employment. The program provides an average of 20 hours of training at government and nonprofit agencies, paying the participants $15 an hour. Participants learn new skills and engage in community service. They support the important work of scores of organizations across the state.
One recent MASST participant, Tyann Payne, describes her journey well. She had worked as a nurse for 10 years, but then she raised children for 20 years, until her husband had to retire early because of bad health. She went back to school, and while she was earning an associate's degree in medical coding, she enrolled in MASST. Her MASST coordinator placed her with Big Cabbage Radio in Palmer.
"I got to brush up on all my computer tech skills and even got to proofread and post programs on the web," Payne said. "I also got to do some broadcasting. My supervisors were wonderful, exceptional teachers and very patient. After six months, I needed to make more money, so I tried the job search again. Having a good referral and a job already made all the difference." She took one of three job offers as a direct service provider, using her nursing skills, and now she is perusing entry jobs in medical coding.
Another recent success story involves a MASST participant I worked with for over two years. Sherry Foster was a steady student in a weekly computer training course I taught, and even though she learned a lot from her host site, the Wage and Hour Administration, she didn't use computer training much. Her knowledge paid off well, however, when she landed a job as the front desk receptionist with an employment agency in Fairbanks. On a recent visit to the office, Foster informed me that she had been fast-tracked to become a permanent member of the agency team.
MASST isn't only about skills training. What Foster values most from the MASST program is the way it places seniors in a positive, safe work environment. For older workers with disabilities or mobility issues, that is a major support. In addition, she notes, MASST advocates for seniors and provides supportive services in the initial job placement. And the advocacy, she says, is marked by persistence and perseverance. After moving from one position to a better one, Foster continues to build her confidence, taking time to learn on the job and appreciating the patience and support of her new manager.
If we could send Payne and Foster to testify at the hearings in Congress, there is no doubt that the Older Americans Act would be reauthorized. By a unanimous vote. In celebration for another five years of important work for community service and for older workers.
Employ Older Workers!
Jim Warren is in his third year as MASST coordinator for Northern and Interior regions, based in Fairbanks.
