Program Information

Program Information

A Comprehensive Education Like No Other.

Welcome to CharlestonLIFE™ - where your education, your future, and your independence are in your hands.

CharlestonLIFE™ is a fully inclusive, four-year non-degree certificate program designed for students with mild intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). Here, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in academics, careers, and life - not just an experience, but an education.

As a student in CharlestonLIFE™, you’re part of the College of Charleston community. You’ll have personalized support to guide you as you grow and succeed.

Here's what your education includes:

Academics that fit you. Take traditional college courses with modifications and support tailored to your needs.
Independent living skills. Live on campus in residence halls while developing the skills to navigate life on your own.
Career preparation. Gain real-world experience through internships and career development opportunities.
Campus involvement. Join student organizations, clubs, and activities to connect with peers and build community.
Personal growth. Develop friendships, gain confidence, and strengthen decision-making skills with peer mentoring and support.

With the support you need and the freedom you want, CharlestonLIFE™ gives you the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

Mission

CharlestonLIFE™ is committed to providing students with intellectual disabilities a quality, inclusive postsecondary education that supports academics, social development, independent living, and career development. We strive to prepare students for competitive integrated employment, honor their dignity and worth, and foster self-determination.

Vision

Our vision is for our graduates to live fully inclusive lives—thriving in their careers, living independently, and building fulfilling social connections—successfully navigating and contributing to the world as it is.

About our program

We are thrilled that you are considering joining us for an exciting and life-changing journey. In CharlestonLIFE™, you will receive an education in academics, social development, independent living, and career development designed to help you grow into a confident independent adult.

Academics
Students in CharlestonLIFE™ take two inclusive traditional College of Charleston courses with individualized modifications and one program support session each semester.
CharlestonLIFE™ Support Sessions
Specialized courses for students in the program include:
- Transition to College
- Academic and Professional Writing
- Introduction to Personal Finance
- Career Exploration
- Personal Finance
- Community Engagement
- Advanced Personal Finance
- Now What? Preparing for Life After College
Academic Supports
Examples:
- Tutoring
- Center for Student Learning
- Writing Lab
- Center for Disability Services (SNAP)
- Library
Areas of Concentration
Students in CharlestonLIFE™ declare an area of concentration (our equivalent of a major) at the end of sophomore year. An area of concentration can be any of the 67 majors offered at the College of Charleston.
Social Development

Students in the CharlestonLIFE™ have access to all the social and cultural events both on and off-campus, just like every other student at the College!
Mentors
All freshmen are paired with social and fitness mentors to help students dive into campus life. These mentors, who are fellow College of Charleston students, are matched based on shared interests.
After freshman year, mentors are assigned based on need, which may change as students develop independence and their own friendships.
Social Skills Development
CharlestonLIFE™ provides individualized social skills instruction for students needing extra support with communication and appropriate behaviors in different settings (i.e. internships, public settings, relationships, etc.).
Social Activities and Clubs
Students participate in any social activities on campus, with or without mentors, roommates or friends.
Independent Living
CharlestonLIFE™ provides direct instruction on key elements of independent living that other students are able to "figure out" on their own.
Travel Training
Over four years, students learn to navigate our campus and the greater downtown Charleston area, to include riding CARTA, Charleston's bus system.
Groups
Students in CharlestonLIFE™ participate in semester-long groups run by program staff. Topics include:
- Personal Safety
- Internet Safety
- Dating
- Disability Disclosure
Money and Time Management
Education continues throughout all four years.
Career Development

Beginning the second semester of freshman year, students are placed in paid internships tailored to their interests, educational needs and strengths.
These paid internships rotate each semester, allowing students in CharlestonLIFE™ to boost their employability, explore new interests, and reinforce workplace behaviors.
Once students declare an area of concentration, internships align with their course of study.

Delivering the Goods

An internship in the MUSC mailroom helped Randon Strange '16 discover his passion for mail services. His time at the College and in the REACH Program (now CharlestonLIFE™) helped him turn that passion into a career.

A Storyteller