USCA LIFE students get Ruby's Rainbow Scholarships

Excitement was felt all around as faculty, staff, and students celebrated Neva Bassett and Ava Shahbahrami on their recent achievement on receiving Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarships on Monday, Aug. 26.

Both students are enrolled in the University of South Carolina Aiken’s LIFE (Learning Is For Everyone) Program, which provides support to students with disabilities.

“USCA LIFE is more than just a program, it is a life changing opportunity,” said Dr. Daniel Heimmermann, chancellor of USCA.

Ruby’s Rainbow is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that gives scholarships to help students with Down syndrome pursue the best opportunities for higher education, eventually working towards full-time employment.

“The scholarship is important to us this year because it really makes that difference whether she’s able to come back to the program,” said Jennifer Bassett, Neva’s mother.

Patricia Gates, Ava’s mother, says this award validates Ava’s abilities to continue her college experience. “I was ecstatic when she received the news.”

Gates explained that because USCA LIFE is a non-degree program, financial aid is set up much different. “Without scholarships like this, it would add additional cost for Ava to be able to attend school,” Gates said.

According to Adrienne Patterson, the assistant director of USCA LIFE, scholarships are crucial for the program as the cost to attend is about $40,000 per year. “Scholarships like Ruby’s Rainbow help bridge the gap and eliminate the financial barrier that prevents students from having access to this amazing opportunity,” said Patterson.

The application process for the scholarship is completely left up to the students. “Parents only get to write one letter thoroughly explaining what their child wrote about,” Bassett said. “It was so neat getting to watch Neva write the essay herself and tell us what photo she wanted to add. The application process was super independent.”

As Neva enters her last year in the program, her mother says she’s seen a significant change in her confidence and maturity. “When she was in public education there was a lot of adult supervision because individuals were afraid of what she could and couldn’t do and my husband and I had to fight hard to get her in regular classes.” Bassett said. “It’s been great to come here and have Dr. Martin tells us that Neva can do things independently.”

Recently, the program welcomed its newest group of students including Ava. Neva, now in her second year, is expected to graduate from the program next spring in May of 2025. For more information on Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship, click the link here.

For more information, contact USCA Marketing & Communication at news@usca.edu.