Norma McCarthy (right) learns new computer skills from academic adviser Pamela Shaw at Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Photo by Nick Koon.

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Fifteen community colleges have been awarded Encore Career Grants to support new or existing programs aimed at retraining boomers for careers in health, education and social services. See which colleges were awarded the grant.

The Community College Encore Career Grants are awarded to innovative colleges that identify social-purpose jobs available in the community – such as adjunct faculty, community health workers and pharmacist technicians – and prepare boomers to fill them.

While jobs are tight now, new research by Northeastern University labor economist Barry Bluestone, found that after the recession ends, there will likely be more health, education and nonprofit jobs than people to fill them. Learn about the research.

Strategies for success developed by the colleges include marketing strategies for recruiting and educating students 50 and older, compressed course work and peer mentor programs tailored for adult learners, and job search and placement support to help students land encore careers in their community.

“Older, experienced adults are working longer and are looking to do work that is meaningful to them and their community,” said Dr. Arthur Sundstrom, executive director of The Deerbrook Charitable Trust. “These grants are designed to help more adults make the transition and to provide model encore career programs for other colleges to follow.”

Read about all 40 colleges that have received $25,000 grants as part of the Encore College Initiative.

Interested in retraining for an encore career in health and education? Check out our Get Started Guide for tips and resources.