S.C. leaders engage with USCA LIFE students in workforce readiness

Representatives from S.C. Works visited the USCA LIFE Program on Wed., Oct. 29, to help students prepare for the workforce.

The visit gave students the chance to take part in workshops led by state workforce experts, focusing on essential job readiness skills such as resume writing and interview preparation.

S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce Executive Director William Floyd and Commissioner Felicia Johnson of the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department (SCVRD), met with students to discuss college life, career goals and the value of developing job readiness and essential skills.

“Tomorrow’s workforce is very important for South Carolina,” said Floyd. “Our workforce includes everyone currently in school, including students in the USCA LIFE Program. As a partner in the SC Works system, our agency engages these future jobseekers through workshops, such as the one they are conducting today, to connect the work in the classroom with skills that will help them find a job.”

Johnson added, “At SCVRD, we help individuals with disabilities reach their employment goals through counseling, financial assistance, and ongoing support.”

Dr. Melissa Martin, director of the USCA LIFE Program, emphasized the importance of these collaborations. “Our program has an emphasis on employment readiness as only about 18% of individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities are employed after K-12 schools,” she said. “Partnering with existing agencies from around the region and state helps connect our students to meaningful support and services beyond our program that they could tap into after they graduate.”

First-year student Marissa Forger shared that she enjoyed the workshops and appreciated learning about job opportunities from the team.

Looking ahead, DEW is planning a job fair for Spring 2026 to link LIFE students with potential employers across the region. “SCVRD also routinely provides tuition assistance to our students who are VRD clients to provide financial support for to college,” Martin added.

Click here to watch a recap from the DEW’s visit with USCA LIFE students.

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