LCE Program
USCA LIFE Leadership & Civic Engagement (LCE) program as an extension of the USCA LIFE program. This program builds upon the skills garnered during the first two years of the USCA LIFE program and focuses on academics, employment, independent living, leadership development, and civic engagement. Notably, the additional domains of leadership and civic engagement are unique to the LCE program.
At the completion of the two-year extended program, students will earn a Leadership & Civic Engagement (LCE) Credential.
Admission to this extended LCE program is by invitation only. That is, students must meet additional eligibility criteria based on progress during the basic two-year USCA LIFE program. Progress will be measured in various ways and across the following domains: academic coursework, USCA LIFE coursework, employment, independent living, and social engagement.
USCA LIFE LCE program is a full-time, two additional years program. Students will complete four (4) semesters of coursework, employment, academic support, independent living support, social engagement, leadership, and civic engagement.
USCA LIFE Coursework: Students will complete LIFE specific coursework related to becoming a leader, financial literacy, self-advocacy, and disability rights.
USC Aiken Coursework: Students will enroll in at least 1 credit hour of USCA coursework each semester.
Employment: USCA LIFE LCE students will be engaged in employment each semester. Students will work a minimum of 20 hours per week, which is equivalent to a part-time job.
Civic Engagement: Students must volunteer in the community (e.g., ASPCA, church groups, marathons).
Social Engagement: Students are required to engage socially at least 2 hours per week by participating in clubs, organizations, or other activities with college-aged peers on and off campus. These may include joining one of the many student organizations on campus and attending meetings and events, going to the movies with friends, and attending sporting events to cheer on the Pacer athletic teams.
Leadership Experiences: USCA LIFE LCE students must participate in 1-2 hours per week of active leadership practice. This may include serving on the leadership board of a student club/organization and being a teaching assistant for a course.
Independent Living Support: Students will live independently in dorms on campus without the direct support of a LIFE Resident Assistant (LRA), which is a requirement in the basic USCA LIFE program.