At the University of South Carolina Aiken, the USCA Learning Is For Everyone (LIFE) program will have new state of the art Apple technology for the 2024-25 school year.
In collaboration with Clemson LIFE and Coastal Carolina’s LIFE program, USCA LIFE submitted a joint proposal seeking $512,862 from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education to purchase Apple products to bolster their college transition programs.
USCA LIFE is a two-year program that focuses on learning opportunities, social engagement, independent living and skills for employment for students with intellectual disabilities.
According to a press release from USCA, a significant amount of this grant has been used to purchase Apple products to support USCA LIFE students during the school year.
Each student and instructor will receive an Apple Watch and a 10th generation iPad. One HomePod will be housed in each apartment on campus, and the USCA LIFE classroom space will be outfitted with iMac and Apple TV.
The staff will also receive a MackBook Pro or iPad Pro.
“With iPad and Apple Watch, students will learn and practice important skills they can take with them after graduation,” said Melissa Martin, program director of USCA LIFE. “This will increase their independence in employment and independent living after completing the USCA LIFE program.”
The university has also engaged with Apple to provide 14 days of professional development and training to students and staff in the USCA LIFE program, which will help everyone learn the tools and resources they need to ensure their success in college and beyond.
“We will primarily be using the new technology in two distinct ways: instruction and wellness,” said Martin. “We will be utilizing [the] iPad in the USCA LIFE coursework to teach and practice technology literacy skills.”
Additionally, the program has partnered with the USCA’s Exercise Sports Science Department to develop a new Movement Mentors initiative. Second-year USCA LIFE program students will be paired with an exercise sports science major.
The pairs will develop and work towards physical activity goals this fall, and students will utilize the Apple Watch to track their movements.
“iPad is versatile, secure and accessible, which gives our students an equal opportunity to access their learning in a way that works for them,” said Martin.
For more information about USCA, visit: www.usca.edu
