CarolinaLIFE

Our inaugural SPURS UP Summer Experience was a success! ☀️🤙

Throughout the week, students explored all five CarolinaLIFE domains—Academics, Employment, Social Engagement, Personal Development, and Independent Living—while experiencing life on a college campus. Students also learned about the Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) opportunities available across South Carolina and built connections with fellow participants through a week of hands-on activities, workshops, and campus experiences.

Thank you to everyone who helped make our pilot year one to remember. Forever to Thee! ❤️🖤

🎉 Applications for the Fall 2027 CarolinaLIFE cohort are now OPEN! 🎉

Ready to take the next step toward college, career development, independent living, and campus involvement? We’re excited to begin meeting our next group of CarolinaLIFE students!

📌 The application link can be found through the link in our bio.
📌 Our website includes the application timeline, required materials, and additional information about the program.

We can’t wait to meet the next group of CarolinaLIFE students! ❤️🖤

Flashback Friday to May 8th when we celebrated the incredible CarolinaLIFE Class of 2026! 🎓✨
Our graduates were officially presented with their certificates surrounded by family, friends, staff, and the community that supported them along the way. We are so proud of all they have accomplished and cannot wait to see what comes next for each of them. Forever To Thee! ❤️🖤

🚨 Applications for the Fall 2027 CarolinaLIFE Cohort officially open June 1st! 🚨

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Gamecock through CarolinaLIFE, now is the time to start preparing application materials!

Be sure to visit the CarolinaLIFE website for:
⭐ Full application requirements
⭐ Timeline and interview information
⭐ Reference forms
⭐ Program details and FAQs

We encourage families to begin gathering materials early! We can’t wait to meet our future Gamecocks! ❤️🖤🐔

🎓 Four years of growth, friendships, advocacy, hard work, and unforgettable memories. From classes to student orgs, football games to graduation day — these students have shown what’s possible when students are given the opportunity to belong, learn, and thrive.

Congratulations to our CarolinaLIFE Class of 2026 graduates! We are so proud of all you have accomplished and cannot wait to see what comes next for each of you. Thank you for leaving your mark on CarolinaLIFE and the Gamecock community forever. Forever to Thee! 🤙🐔

Happy Last Day of Classes! ❤️🖤
We are so proud of all the growth, hard work, and memories made this semester. From classrooms to campus experiences, our students continue to show what it means to be Gamecocks first.

Thank you, Spring 2026, for an incredible semester—we can’t wait to see what’s next! 🎉

CarolinaLIFE hosted its first annual Mock Interview Day, connecting students with real employers for real-world practice. From reviewing job descriptions to asking thoughtful questions and receiving direct feedback, students sharpened their interview skills and built confidence for what’s next.

Thank you to our community partners for making this experience possible:
Breakpoint COLA
Columbia Museum of Art
Founders Credit Union
Holland Avenue Preschool
Multidisciplinary Therapy
Nautical Boat Club, Irmo/Lake Murray
Raines Co.
South Carolina Arts Commission
Signal Security
Stadium People
Vocational Rehabilitation
WIS 10

🎓 Explore Your Future with CarolinaLIFE! 🌟
Are you (or someone you know) ages 16–21 and interested in inclusive post-secondary education opportunities? Join us for a 2.5-day Summer Experience at the University of South Carolina!
📅 Dates: June 2–4
⏰ Schedule:
• June 2 & 3: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• June 4: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: USC Campus
🚗 This is a day program only (no overnight option). Participants must have reliable transportation for drop-off and pick-up.
During this experience, students will:
✨ Learn about inclusive education programs across South Carolina
✨ Explore key areas of support:
• Academics
• Employment
• Independent Living
• Social Engagement
• Personal Development
Eligibility Requirements:
✔️ Ages 16–21
✔️ Diagnosis of intellectual disability
✔️ Application must include:
• Psychoeducational evaluation
• IEP
• Behavior plan (if applicable)
📩 Questions? Contact us at [email protected]
🔗 find the link to the application in the comments below!
Please note that limited spots are available. All applications will be reviewed. The Summer Experience is not first-come, first-served.

Today marked an exciting step forward for CarolinaLIFE students working at the Lantern Hotel as they began the first of two training sessions for the AHLEI Guest Service Gold certification.

This opportunity is made possible through a meaningful partnership between CarolinaLIFE in the College of Education and Dr. Marketa Kubickova in the College of HRSM—demonstrating the power of collaboration across campus.

Industry-recognized credentials like this play a critical role in preparing students for future employment, opening doors and building confidence for what comes next.

We look forward to celebrating their certification completion on April 24!

Final numbers are in for our campaign—and we’re excited to celebrate what our incredible community made possible! 💫
Thanks to your generosity, CarolinaLIFE raised $24,840 to support students with intellectual disabilities. These funds directly fuel our mission to provide inclusive, transformative educational experiences at the University of South Carolina and beyond.
We are so grateful for everyone who donated, shared our message, and championed CarolinaLIFE. Your support truly changes lives. ❤️
As part of the campaign, donors were entered into our GOAT giveaway drawings. Congratulations to our winners:
🏈 Football signed by Coach Shane Beamer: The Denton Family
🏀 Basketball signed by Coach Dawn Staley: Mark Turcsanyi
📖 Signed copy of Uncommon Favor: Joy Yell
Thank you again for believing in our students and our mission. Together, we are building a more inclusive future.