Midternship Pilot Program __________________________________________________________


Background Information for the Media
A traditional retirement of 78 million baby boomers will stress the nation's social safety nets, and the simultaneous "brain drain" could undermine the ability of the nation's workforce to compete on the international stage.
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Recent surveys show that 70% of that generation expect
to continue working through their "retirement" years.
There are more entrepreneurs aged 55-plus, for example, than there are in any other age group.

Social research suggests that those midlifers who are doing work that holds value and meaning for them are healthier, happier, and can make significant contributions to society.

None of this qualifies as breaking news.  Much of the background information presented here was published earlier in the decade.  But a severe economic recession has accelerated the sense of urgency.


Category Description
 Encore Careers

MetLife-Civic Ventures Research Study (2008)		 Encore careers are not bridge jobs, senior volunteering, or phased retirement. Instead, they're paid positions in in the service of change and community that promise to make the best and highest use of people’s passions, talents, and experience.
Employer Attitudes

Research Study by
Boston College (2007)		 Are employers assessing how an aging workforce might affect their organizations?  Do they see it as a vulnerability or a competitive advantage?  How are they responding?
A Call for Midternships



by Peter Cappelli and Bill Novelli, Harvard Business Review		 Your organization needs older workers more than ever. They transfer knowledge between generations, transmit your company's values to new hires, make excellent mentors for younger employees, and provide a "just in time" workforce for special projects.

Yet more of these workers are reporting to people younger than they are. This presents unfamiliar challenges that — if ignored — can prevent you from attracting, retaining, and engaging older employees.

► Listen to the Podcast ...

Midtern Success Story

 At age 61, James Price used the SHiFT Midternship program to transport his skill set to a new opportunity. 

► Watch the Video ...