Support Inclusion. Fund Potential.
At USCA LIFE, we believe what our name stands for—Learning Is For Everyone. Our full-time residential college program is designed specifically for students with intellectual disabilities (ID), helping them grow academically, socially, and personally in a supportive, inclusive environment.
But access to programs like ours can be limited—not because of a lack of potential, but because of financial barriers.
The reality is stark.
Research shows that life after high school for individuals with ID is deeply challenging. Only 18% of adults with ID are competitively employed, earning an average annual income of just $10,279—well below the poverty line. As a result, only 20% live independently, while the majority reside with family or in community-based settings.
Post-secondary education changes this trajectory. Students with ID who attend college programs are more likely to secure employment and earn higher wages—regardless of whether they complete a degree. These programs empower them to achieve greater independence and a better quality of life.
At USCA LIFE, we’re making that future possible—one student at a time.
Unfortunately, traditional scholarships often exclude students with ID, relying on merit-based criteria like GPA and test scores. For the 2024–2025 academic year, more than half of our students did not qualify for needs-based financial aid. Many families had never considered college a viable option, either due to lack of inclusive programs or the financial strain of K–12 support needs.
That’s why we established the USCA LIFE Scholarship Fund—to help students with ID access the college experience they deserve. In 2024–2025, we awarded $120,000 in scholarships thanks to the generosity of our donors. Our goal is to continue to provide these scholarships each year in an effort to close the financial gap and open the door to a life-changing college experience.
With your support, students with ID can attend college, learn without boundaries, live independently, and pursue meaningful employment.
Ready to invest in a student’s future? Contact Assistant Director, Adrienne Patterson at 803-641-3712 or email [email protected].
Donation checks should include "USCA LIFE" in the memo line and be made payable to the Aiken Partnership and mailed to:
USC Aiken
Attn: Advancement Services
471 University Parkway
Aiken, SC 29801
