Clemson University has many academic and athletic programs that evoke pride within the student body, such as our nationally recognized engineering and agriculture programs or our consistently elite football program. However, a program that doesn’t spark nearly enough student pride as it deserves is the ClemsonLIFE program.
ClemsonLIFE is one of the nation’s premier collegiate programs for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It has been pivotal in influencing other postsecondary institutions to make similar programs.
“They [LIFE students] get to come in and learn skills that teach them how to live independently and maintain competitive employment post-graduation,” explains Erica Walters, the program director for ClemsonLIFE, in a recent interview with University student JD Salazar.
The faculty at ClemsonLIFE works to ensure all students in the program have opportunities are open to them, allowing them to have the same college experience as any Clemson student.
“We love when our students can interact and have college students that are just like them come to their classes, their apartments, go to lunch, go to dinner, just do fun things with them so that they can have all the same experiences as everybody else,” says Kelli Cooley, the program coordinator for ClemsonLIFE.
Positively impacting the trajectory of LIFE students post-graduation is of utmost importance to the ClemsonLIFE faculty, and the efforts have already proven fruitful.
“Ninety-seven percent of our graduates are employed, and 67% of our graduates live independently,” asserts Walters. “Both of those numbers are more than double the national average for individuals with disabilities.”
ClemsonLIFE students and alumni often receive recognition on a national level. Current undergraduate Charlie McGee appeared on CBS after he rushed a Clemson fraternity, and LIFE graduate Tanner Smith has made multiple appearances on The Kelly Clarkson Show in the past year for his inclusion in Netflix’s “Love on the Spectrum.”
“I loved that he [Tanner] got to feel what he gives others all the time,” says Walters, in reaction to Tanner getting a surprise visit from his hero, Jack Black, on his latest appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
“We’ve assisted almost 100 colleges and universities in a variety of areas: startup, student engagement, Greek life, social media/marketing, etc.” states Walters. “While there are over 350+ programs nationwide, with ClemsonLIFE having an 11% acceptance rate for this fall, there is a need for more. We want to help colleges and universities be able to serve all students and give them an incredible collegiate experience while learning skills necessary to live a full, independent life after college.”
Many lives of those with disabilities have been changed thanks to the work of the ClemsonLIFE program. LIFE stands for “Learning Is For Everyone,” and every Clemson student should be proud of the exceptional work that ClemsonLIFE is doing and will continue to do.
Cole Jersek is a sophomore world cinema major from Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Cole can be reached at [email protected].
