Program areas at AARP Foundation
Workforce Programs provide direct services nationwide to adults seeking training and employment. This includes the AARP Foundation Senior Community Service Employment Program ("SCSEP") which matches unemployed adults over 55 with local non-profits and public agencies (host agencies) so they can increase skills and build self-confidence, while earning a modest training wage.
The AARP Foundation Legal Advocacy program ensures that older adults have a voice and proper representation in the legal system. The Foundation's attorneys file and support lawsuits that have a significant impact on senior poverty by reducing barriers to employment; increasing access to public and private benefits; protecting consumers by stopping unlawful business practices and securing refunds for those who have lost money; lowering out-of-pocket costs for key expenses, such as housing, food and health care; and promoting more racially and otherwise equitable outcomes across those areas.
Tax and Credits programs provide free income tax preparation and property tax assistance to low and moderate income persons throughout the country. This includes AARP Foundation Tax Aide ("Tax-Aide") which delivers in-person and virtual tax preparation assistance to anyone, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income. Tax-Aide is the largest free, volunteer-based tax assistance and preparation program in the United States, and the fourth largest overall.
The Experience Corps program is a community-based, volunteer program that engages highly-trained volunteers over 50 as tutors and mentors to help K-3 students become better readers by the end of third grade. The program delivers a proven "triple win" - helping students succeed, older adults to thrive, and communities to grow stronger. Experience Corps puts a special emphasis on serving diverse populations in underserved communities, while almost 70% of its volunteers come from a broad variety of non-teaching professions.
Other programs of the Foundation address its goals through a variety of programs designed to increase income and decrease expenditures by helping older adults with low income secure the essentials, including good jobs, eligible benefits, crucial refunds and sustaining social connections.
Grants to AARP - AARP Foundation has awarded grants to AARP to further the Foundation's charitable mission of helping older adults with low income secure the essentials through programs that focus on caregiving, nursing, safe driving, and asset protection to safeguard income.