ClemsonLIFE program and director receive awards

Published: December 16, 2010

By Stephanie Cox

CLEMSON — Clemson University’s ClemsonLIFE program has been recognized for its effectiveness in preparing students with disabilities for the transition from school to the community and employment.

The South Carolina Division on Career Development and Transition presented ClemsonLIFE with its Outstanding Transition Program award.

ClemsonLIFE works with students aged 18 to 23 who have intellectual disabilities. Its goal is to provide them a coordinated course of study that includes career exploration and preparation. It promotes self-awareness, discovery and personal improvement through a framework of courses, job internships and community participation. The program supplies peer mentoring support and extracurricular activities on the campus to help students adjust to independent lifestyles.

ClemsonLIFE director Sharon Sanders was awarded the Richard M. Kuffle Memorial Award for her significant contributions to the field of career education and transition. The award is presented to a person who contributes through a means other than classroom instruction.

ClemsonLIFE is one of the first four programs in the United States meeting the eligibility requirements for federal funding, which will be offered to the students beginning in the spring of 2011. 

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