‘Huge milestone’: USC Aiken program makes history with first graduates
AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - History was made at the University of South Carolina Aiken today as the first cohort of the USCA Life program graduated.
The two-year program launched in the fall of 2023 designed to students with intellectual disabilities by offering academic guidance and fostering social inclusion.
13 students received their PACER credentials.
The university says seven graduates are ing the leadership and civic engagement program, a two-year course where they will earn a second credential.
Columbia County withdraws from regional library system to become single region
Commissioners said in a statement that the county will stay in the state system, but will withdraw from the Clarks Hill Library Region.
One graduate has accepted a position with Savannah River Mission Completion, and several others already have jobs or volunteer in the CSRA.
We heard from one graduate about how she felt about graduating.
“It’s really exciting and it’s really good. Would you recommend for your friends to do this program? Yes,” said Neva Basset, life program graduate.
“This is a huge milestone for them. I think I’ve talked to a lot of the families. I’ve been with the program a year now, and I’ve got to know these students, and it’s just it’s a milestone. It’s something that I think a lot of them did not think it was possible. Had you asked them 2-3 years ago, they wouldn’t think that they would be college graduates,” said Adrienne Patterson, assistant director of UCSA Life program.
Applications for the 2026 - 2027 school term open on July 1.
And there are 12 students set to start for the 2025 - 2026 school term.
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