In this “speed dating for good ideas” session, Encore 2011 participants had the opportunity to learn about some of the ways that fifteen innovative programs are enabling encore careers or promoting other encore stage-of-life ideas. Click on any of the fifteen programs below to view a brief profile of each encore innovation and a website link.

Aspiranet Encore Fellowships Program, California

Phase2Careers
San Francisco Bay Area
Nonprofit organization whose mission is to serve workers over 40 through a variety of programs and services including: career assessment, employment roundtables, job search panels, job search workshops and other activities.

Act Three
Cincinnati
Workshops, seminars, individual coaching and special events to help guide women who are seeking to switch careers or returning to work after raising children.

Boomer Careers
Statewide
Website for adults ages 40 years and older who are looking for new jobs, new skills or volunteer experiences. In addition to job opportunities, the site offers career assessment tools and provides information on nonprofit and multicultural organizations that have an interest in older adult issues.

North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement
Asheville
University-based center that is dedicated to promoting lifelong learning, leadership, community service and research. It offers a comprehensive array of programs in the arts and humanities, the natural world, civic engagement, wellness, life transition and retirement relocation planning, intergenerational co-learning, and research on trends in the reinvention of retirement. Based in Asheville, it collaborates with organizations throughout North Carolina and across the country.

Engaged Retirement & Encore Career Center
Princeton
Senior center program that offers workshops and classes for people who are interested in civic engagement in retirement. Programs are designed to help people make the transition to this new stage of life, make lifestyle decisions and prepare for an encore career. A workshop in job search strategies for older workers is also offered.

The Texas Association of Nonprofit Organizations (TANO) is the statewide membership association reflecting and promoting Texas’ growing nonprofit community in all its diversity.

8001 Centre Park Dr., Austin, TX 78754-5118

Vermont Associates
VT Statewide
Statewide nonprofit that provides training and employment services to low-income, mature Vermonters. Individuals are placed in community service positions in nonprofits and public agencies to learn new skills and prepare for new jobs.

The EnCorps Teachers Program is an innovative public-private partnership dedicated to increasing the number of critically-needed math and science teachers in California’s public middle and high schools. They help talented second career professionals and retirees in science, healthcare, technology, engineering, finance, and math-related professions explore careers in math and science education and successfully transition into teaching and tutoring jobs in low-income, public school classrooms.

The Transition Network
Tri State Chapter
A community of women over 50 who join forces as they navigate the transition from one career to another. Started in New York City, it now has other local chapters including the Tri State Chapter serving New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.