Grants Available for Innovative Community Colleges Retraining Boomers for Encore Careers in Health and Education

Civic Ventures/MetLife Foundation accepting applications through April 12, 2010

SAN FRANCISCO – March 1, 2010 – Civic Ventures, a think tank on boomers, work and social purpose, and MetLife Foundation, announced six new $25,000 Community College Encore Career Grants for institutions retraining 50+ adults for careers in health and education. Applications may be submitted online at www.encore.org/colleges by April 12, 2010.

The grants support and highlight college programs that match the skills and interests of experienced adults with specific high-need careers that support the community, such as home and community health workers, nursing, adjunct community college faculty and teaching in areas of critical shortage. Civic Ventures has already awarded 18 grants since starting its Community College Encore Career initiative in 2007.

The 2008 Encore Career Survey by MetLife Foundation and Civic Ventures revealed that half of those surveyed between the ages of 44 and 70 want encore careers that combine personal meaning, social impact and continued income.

For complete information, including the full request for proposals and an application for a one-year grant, visit www.encore.org/colleges. Applications are due on April 12, 2010. Civic Ventures will announce the grant winners in July 2010.

Civic Ventures (Encore.org) is a think tank on boomers, work and social purpose.

MetLife Foundation (MetLife.org) was established in 1976 by MetLife to carry on its long-standing tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. The Foundation has been involved in a variety of aging-related initiatives addressing issues of caregiving, intergenerational activities, mental fitness, health and wellness programs and civic involvement.