'History Made': USC Aiken Program Celebrates First Graduates

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDG/WAGU) – Today marked a historical moment at the University of South Carolina Aiken with the introduction of the inaugural group of students for this program. USCA Life program graduated .

The initiative introduced in autumn 2023 as a two-year project aims to assist students with intellectual challenges by providing educational advice along with promoting their social integration.

Thirteen students were issued their PACER credentials.

The university indicates that seven alumni are entering the leadership and civic engagement program, a two-year course through which they will obtain an additional certification.

A graduate has taken up a role at Savannah River Mission Completion, while many of their peers either already secured positions or are volunteering within the CSRA.

One alumna shared her thoughts with us regarding her graduation experience.

"It’s truly thrilling and highly beneficial. If I were to suggest this program to my friends—absolutely," stated Neva Bassett, who is a graduate of the life program.

"This marks a significant achievement for them. In my nearly one-year tenure with the UCSA Life program, I've had numerous conversations with their families and have come to closely know these students. Many doubted they could achieve this feat; two to three years back, asking them about becoming college graduates wasn’t even conceivable," explained Adrienne Patterson, who serves as the assistant director of the UCSA Life program.

Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year will become available on July 1.

There will be 12 students commencing their studies in the 2025-2026 academic year.