Program makes college accessible for small group
Ashley Schulman hasn't had the same experience as most students at USC — except that, in many ways, she has.
"My favorite part about college is the Zumba class I take at Blatt (P.E. Center), near my dorm," the first-year CarolinaLIFE student said. "I also like to do the rock wall with my friends at Strom (Thurmond Welness and Fitness Center)."
CarolinaLIFE works to create an environment conducive to students on a variety of learning ability levels and to help foster independence and self-reliance among students with documented intellectual disabilities.
"CarolinaLIFE classes are created depending on the student's needs and interests. Our students take USC classes, and we provide support for them," said Jennifer Quinn, a graduate student and CarolinaLIFE program instructor.
There are 11 students enrolled in the CarolinaLIFE program this semester, with two students expecting to graduate this spring. The program is now in its fourth year and has grown steadily after beginning with just three students, according to Anthony Plotner, the program's director.
"We are a nationally recognized program," Plotner wrote in an email response. "Many other universities are attempting to replicate our program. South Carolina is a leader in this area. We currently have five programs at four-year institutions across the state — ClemsonLIFE, College of Charleston's REACH program, Coastal Carolina University's LIFE program and Winthrop's Transition to College program."
Students in the program begin their studies by taking a University 101 course their first semester. From then on, they take two to four classes each semester, Plotner said. Depending on their curricula, most students study for two or four years.
CarolinaLIFE also features a mentor program that includes some USC students.
"We have a strong network of mentors," Plotner wrote. "The opportunities for social networks for all students in college are vast. The overall goal of CarolinaLIFE mentor program is to expand employment opportunities for our students."
The benefits of the program extend to those volunteers as well.
"I love volunteering for this program," said Lindsey Rogers, a third-year marketing and management student. "The students are all so enthusiastic about USC and getting involved on campus. CarolinaLIFE does a very good job about getting students involved on campus, and the students are very excited about being Gamecocks."
CarolinaLIFE also provides scholarship opportunities for its students. According to Plotner, it was one of the first programs to receive Comprehensive Transition Program status, which means students can apply for Federal Pell Grants from the U.S. Department of Education. The College of Education's Frank and Frankie McGuire Scholarship Fund also lends financial support.
At the end of their experience, the program's students graduate with a CarolinaLIFE certification that includes the number of credit hours in each student's scholastic focus.
"CarolinaLIFE students are given multiple opportunities to gain work experience through externships, internships, apprenticeships and paid work opportunities," Plotner wrote. "What we provide to our students are skills to be successful living and working alone in the community once they graduate."