Winthrop LIFE

Winthrop University is a public institution founded in 1886 and is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Winthrop is a federally designated Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It was originally an all-girls school until 1974 when it became a four-year co-ed university.  Winthrop is a comprehensive university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Currently there are approximately 6,000 students, counting undergraduate and graduate students. Winthrop’s historic and scenic campus is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina just south of Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Unfortunately, there are no records for employment prior to 2023. 

Winthrop is nationally recognized for dedication to excellence in higher education. It challenges undergraduate and graduate students of talent, ambition, and intellectual curiosity, equipping them to embrace and lead a world in transition by providing residential and online learning experiences and installing critical thinking skills empowering them to create the future. Winthrop’s rich history and legacy of national caliber academics, championship athletics, and student-centered achievements create a campus community that is known for its commitment to leadership, service, community and excellence.

In 2014, “Winthrop Think College” started as a 2-year program. In 2023 they rebranded as Winthrop Life and expanded to a four-year program. An estimate of approximately 40 graduates prior to 2023 and an additional 15 students have graduated since 2023. Unfortunately, there are no records for employment prior to 2023.

A mentorship program, utilizing University students, is used to support living in dorms, accessing jobs and being involved on campus. Each LIFE student has at least 2 mentors and they meet with them 5-7 days for 6-10 hours per week. 

Some long-term goals for students of WinthropLIFE include having students living off campus in year four so they can better adjust to independent living without so much support and a university meal plan.

The mission of WinthropLIFE is to provide an inclusive postsecondary education experience to students with intellectual disabilities to prepare them for competitive employment and active participation in local communities with as much independence as possible.

Students enrolled in WinthropLIFE are required to take 5-9 traditional credit hours each semester. These credit hours are divided into three academic categories:

• Career Concentration Courses

• General Education Courses

• PESH Courses.

  
  

Students will complete one course in each category every semester. Students audit all traditional courses.

Students in WinthropLIFE are also responsible for completing WinthropLIFE Program courses each semester. These courses consist of the following topics:

• WinthropLife Program- Self-determination (4 semesters)

• WinthropLife Program- Healthy Relationships (2 semesters)

• WinthropLife Program- Health and Nutrition (2 semesters)

• WinthropLIFE Program-Functional Academics (2 semesters)

  
  

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Thank you, Ryan Morrison, Director, for the above information.