Stillman College, the historically Black liberal arts educational institution in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, has entered into an agreement with Arts ‘n Autism. The agreement allows students in the Learning Independence for Education and Employment Program (LIFEE) to take classes for academic credit and pursue any degree the college offers.
The LIFEE program began in 2011 and since 2018 LIFEE students have been auditing courses at Stillman College. Students in the LIFEE program have graduated from high school and are ready for either work or college. The program includes vocational preparation with supervised work experience in the community.
The new agreement will ease the pathway for LIFEE students to earn a degree. LIFEE students pursuing degrees at Stillman will have access to the same classes and resources as other Stillman students and will learn alongside their peers. LIFEE will support each participant with their classwork, homework, projects, and preparation for class, while Stillman faculty will provide extended time to take tests or extend deadlines, among other accommodations.
“The LIFEE program does a tremendous job in helping move young adults with autism to greater independence,” said Cynthia Warrick, president of Stillman College. “By creating the opportunity to earn a degree at Stillman, we’re providing an important path to help LIFEE students to achieve independence and have brighter futures.”
