Pacer LIFE (Learning Is For Everyone) welcomed its inaugural class of 16 students on Aug. 17 when they moved into university housing at the University of South Carolina Aiken.
The two-year program serves as a comprehensive post-secondary education for students with intellectual disabilities. Pacer LIFE is one of six such programs in South Carolina and the only one in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA).
"This has been four years in the making and it's exciting to welcome our new Pacers on campus," said Melissa Martin program director of Pacer LIFE. The program focuses on academics, employment, and independent living. Students will attend classes on campus while living in Pacer Commons with the help of a resident assistant.
Neva Bassett, who was born with down syndrome, is enrolled in the program. She just recently turned 20 and was all smiles and giggles as she began decorating her new dorm room for the school year.
"I feel great and I'm ready to learn new things like astronomy, that's fun," Neva said. "I'm excited about swimming. I can do backstroke, relays, freestyle, and breaststroke."
For Neva's Father Max Bassett, this is an exciting yet emotional time for his family. "When Neva was born with down syndrome, we knew this was going to be a big uphill struggle for us. She has been a series of miracles along the way," he said. "Neva is quite vivacious; she loves to tell bad dad jokes and it's just exciting to see her coming out being on her own. It's incredibly surreal." Neva will also be working as a manager for the women's basketball team on campus.
Lizzy, a Pacer LIFE student from Rock Hill, says she's excited about taking math and science classes.
"The students are the most excited about getting to live on their own," said Martin. "They'll also be joining student clubs and they have to be engaged socially about two hours a week, which is a big part of our program."
Pioli says they hope to expand Pacer LIFE with another 12 students next school year.
If you would like to support the Pacer Life program with a gift, you may donate online at this Link. Your donation will help provide student scholarship funding and support program operations.
Online applications are due Nov. 15 for the 2024-2025 school year.
For more information, contact Angela Saxon, Angela.saxon@usca.edu