Fall 2025 Newsletter

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What is SCIPSEC?

CoastalLIFE students laugh together while completing academic work.

SCIPSEC is the statewide consortium of inclusive postsecondary education programs, including CarolinaLIFE, CharlestonLIFE, ClemsonLIFE, CoastalLIFE, USCA LIFE, and WinthropLIFE.

Why it matters: SCIPSEC provides information about all current SC inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs as well as valuable insight such as ways to prepare for IPSE and how to pay for these programs.

  • In this newsletter:

    • Program Application Dates for students applying for the 2026-27 academic cohorts.

    • IPSE program Fall 2025 Open House/Information Session Dates.

    • Information on how to pay for IPSE using SC tuition assistance, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Pell funds.

CarolinaLIFE students visting a SC resort as part of a Hospitality, Retail, Sports Management Department field trip

ClemsonLIFE students during sorority rush events

SCIPSEC website home page

The SC Inclusive Postsecondary Education Consortium has launched a new website.

Why it matters: This digital platform enhances access to resources and information for students, families, educators, & other stakeholders interested in inclusive postsecondary education in SC.

  • The website provides up-to-date information on programs, events, and services.

  • It aims to foster community engagement and support through user-friendly navigation and resources.

🔗 Explore the new site for more details and opportunities.

Application Dates for 2026-2027 cohorts

Many program applications are open already! Check our Events Calendar to see the open and closing dates for each program’s application.

Fall Open Houses and Informational Sessions

CarolinaLIFE Open House- Sept 10th @ 6pm

CoastalLIFE Open House dates- Sept 10th, 23rd & Oct 9th

WinthropLIFE Open House September 18th @ 7pm

CharlestonLIFE Open House- October 4thUSCA LIFE Open House dates: Oct 4th, Oct 11th

ClemsonLIFE Open House, Oct 25th @ 9am

Check out the Events Calendar on our website for more information about each of these events!

Scholarships for SC IPSE Programs

CharlestonLIFE students and staff posing with a photo frame

Eligible SC residents can now receive significant financial support to attend SC inclusive postsecondary education programs.

Why it matters: This initiative helps make higher education more accessible for students with disabilities in South Carolina.

  • Every qualified resident accepted to an IPSE program is eligible for a $7,500 tuition scholarship per semester.

  • Students demonstrating financial need based on FAFSA can receive up to an additional $5,000 per semester.

Details: All six IPSE programs in South Carolina are certified as Comprehensive Transition Programs (CTPs), making attending students eligible for Pell Grants, and tuition assistance through Vocational Rehabilitation, based on demonstrated need.

Where to Find SCIPSEC This Fall

WinthropLIFE students volunteering

Lexington School District Two Transition Fair: September 15, 2025

  • Connect with local resources and transition specialists.

Richland Area Community Resource Night: September 30, 2025

  • Hosted by SC Vocational Rehabilitation Transition Counselors and Richland Two Transition Specialists.

Transition Alliance of SC Annual Conference: October 20-21, 2025 in Greenville, SC

  • Attend workshops and network with professionals in the field.

State of the Art National IPSE Conference College Fair: October 20, 2025 in Syracuse, NY

  • Explore inclusive postsecondary education options across the nation.

If you would like to request a SCIPSEC representative to attend your transition fair or community resource fair, please contact Rebecca Smith Hill at smithrb@email.sc.edu.

Did you Know?

Employment Outcomes for IPSE grads

(Papay et al., 2025)

Increased Earnings outcome for IPSE grads

USCA LIFE Graduates

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scipsec/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCIPSEC

Fall Newsletter SCIPSEC

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