It’s time for Page Two: news that might not make the front page on Monday, September 29, 2025.
The U.S. Department of Labor celebrates the National Employ Older Workers Week the last full week of September.
The week recognizes the contributions of older workers and the programs that support them. It spotlights the Senior Community Service Employment Program, or SCSEP. It provides job training for adults with limited financial resources who are 55 and older. The program was created under the Older Americans Act of 1965. Over six decades, it has helped more than 1 million older Americans enter the workforce. Today, one in six older adults are served by programs funded by the Act.
In Alaska, SCSEP is known as Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Training, or MASST. MASST participants train about 20 hours a week at government and nonprofit agencies. They earn $15 an hour while gaining skills and supporting organizations across the state.
Jim Warren, MASST coordinator for the Northern and Interior of Alaska regions, wrote an article on MASST in the September issue of Senior Voice. Here is an edited excerpt from the article:
The program has produced many success stories. Here’s one:
One participant, Tyann, worked as a nurse for 10 years before stepping away to raise her children. When her husband retired early, she returned to school to study medical coding. While in school, she enrolled in MASST and was placed at Big Cabbage Radio in Palmer.
She said the experience helped her update her computer skills, learn broadcasting and gain confidence. After six months, she re-entered the job market. With program support, she is now working as a direct service provider while continuing to pursue medical coding.
Here at the station, another participant, Peggy, joined Big Cabbage Radio after Tyann’s departure. She had spent her career in the restaurant industry before becoming seriously ill. Peggy said MASST not only provided income and job skills but also gave her a sense of belonging in a supportive workplace. Peggy continues to work at the front desk of the radio station.
These stories reflect what MASST is all about — helping older Alaskans build skills, confidence, and community while returning to the workforce.
For more information on the MASST program, visit the Alaska Department of Labor website. More of Peggy’s story can be heard on Voices of the Mat-Su in the episode “Braver Than You Believe,” available at bigcabbageradio.org under podcasts and on major podcast platforms.
If you haven’t had a chance to listen to the series, you can find all 24 episodes on our website under podcasts, and on all your favorite podcast platforms.
The podcast series Voices of the Mat-Su came to a close in September. The two-year series was produced with a grant from the Mat-Su Health Foundation. Now it’s time to reflect on the impact and success of the podcast. And, we need your help. Please complete a short survey on your impressions of Voices of the Mat-Su. It’s on our website until October 15th.
Tonight from 5 to 7 there’s an open house at the Palmer Depot sponsored by DOT. It’s on the Hemmer Road extension and upgrades between the Palmer Wasilla Highway to Bogard Road.
There’s a trip to Hurricane Gulch for seniors 65 and older on the Alaska Railroad on Thursday, October 2nd. The train departs from the Wasilla Station at 9:50am and returns at 6:25pm. Tickets are $75 and must be purchased by credit card only at alaskarailroad.com or 800-544-0552.
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That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Monday, September 29, 2025.