Ready for Life Academy
Life and Career Studies Certificate, Comprehensive Postsecondary Education Certificate
Academics / Departments & Programs / Education / Academics / Ready for Life Academy
Life and Career Studies Certificate
Life and Career Studies Certificate, Comprehensive Postsecondary Education Certificate
Degree Overview
Ready For Life Academy is a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary program that equips students with intellectual disabilities to flourish in life.
Through active participation in campus life, person-centered planning, and individualized learning, the Ready For Life Academy (RFLA) empowers you to transition successfully into a fulfilling post-school life. At Calvin, you’ll find a learning environment that cultivates your gifts and fosters skills you’ll need to thrive.
You will learn alongside your peers in the college classroom and take specialized courses that address practical skills like financial literacy, employment readiness, relationships, and independent living. You have the opportunity to earn one of two certificates—and as you do, you’ll grow in confidence and independence.
For more details about the Ready For Life Academy, browse the information on this page or reach out to us with your questions.
Program Distinctives
Rock-solid education - The RFLA is a four-year program in which students can pursue one of two certificates—Life and Career Studies or Comprehensive Postsecondary Education. Students can choose from seven different concentrations, including arts and music, creation care, and ministry and human services.
Promotes healthy living - Students will learn the importance of a healthy lifestyle that balances individual responsibility and social connection—and they'll acquire the skills to maintain that balance in their lives going forward.
Connected to community - RFLA students don't learn in isolation—they take classes, engage in community events, volunteer, live in the residence halls, work in community internships, and take part in campus life alongside their peers.
Transitioning well - Certified instructors work with each student to help them gain the skills and knowledge to make the transition into adult life. Calvin faculty value each student's unique gifts and situation, and work with students individually to help them achieve their goals.
Degree Information
Life and Career Studies Certificate
-
Overview
The Ready For Life Academy (RFLA) at Calvin University engages college students with intellectual or developmental disability in life and career education. Through person-centered planning, students have the opportunity to explore various career paths, select courses supportive of career goals, and experience supports designed to enhance life skills competencies. The Life and Career Studies Certificate requires completion of the program requirements and at least twenty elective credits in inclusive college courses. The RFLA serves students with intellectual and developmental disability who desire to expand their independence, learning, and community membership through postsecondary education.
-
Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the Life and Career Studies certificate will experience:
- Improved self-confidence, independence, communication, and community awareness
- Meaningful friendships across campus
- Community inclusion
- Person-centered planning and customized internships
- Opportunity to grow academically, physically, socially, and spiritually
-
Admission
- Completion of high school with a certificate of completion or high school diploma
- Future goals for living independently and having paid, competitive employment
- Additional admission requirements can be viewed on the Ready For Life Academy partner site
- Financial aid is available. Learn more about financial aid options.
Application materials (click to download)
-
Program Courses
Program Requirements
Inclusive college courses
- 20 – 57 credits of self-selected courses in your area(s) of interest
Life Skills (8 credits)
- RFLA 101 - Consumer Spending
- RFLA 102 - Budget Building
- RFLA 103 - Managing Money
- RFLA 104 - Financial Literacy
Relationships (8 credits)
- RFLA 111 - Peer Relationships
- RFLA 112 - Social Thinking
- RFLA 113 - Digital Communication and Literacy
- RFLA 114 - Communication
Employment (8 credits)
- RFLA 121 - Personal Management
- RFLA 122 - Career Management
- RFLA 123 - Life Management
- RFLA 124 - Making the Effort: Success in the Workplace
- RFLA 380 - Internship
Independent Living (8 credits)
- RFLA 131 - Moving Out on Your Own
- RFLA 132 - Everyday Household Tasks
- RFLA 133 - Health and Safety
- RFLA 134 - Sexuality and Wellness
Optional Electives
- RFLA 163 - Ready For Life First-Year Seminar
- RFLA 164 - Senior Seminar
- RFLA 151 - Introduction to the Research Process
- RFLA 152 - Effective Communication: Design and Presentation
- RFLA 153 - Extending Your Research: Digital Communication
- RFLA 171 - Current Events
- RFLA 172 - Literacy
- RFLA 390 - Independent Study
Comprehensive Postsecondary Education Certificate
-
Overview
The Ready for Life Academy (RFLA) at Calvin University engages college students with intellectual or developmental disability in comprehensive transition education. Through person-centered planning, students have the opportunity to explore various career paths, select courses supportive of career goals, and experience supports designed to enhance life skills competencies. The Comprehensive Postsecondary Education Certificate requires completion of the program requirements, RFLA core, and of one of seven concentrations:
- Arts and Music
- Communication and Commerce
- Creation Care
- Education
- Health, Wellness, and Recreation
- Interdisciplinary
- Ministry and Human Services
The RFLA serves students with intellectual and developmental disability who desire to expand their independence, learning, and community membership through postsecondary education.
-
Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the Comprehensive Postsecondary Education certificate will experience:
- A course of study tailored to individual interests, gifts, and abilities
- On- and off-campus internships, beginning in the first year of the program, customized and aligned with the course of study
- Improved self-confidence, independence, communication, and community awareness
- Meaningful friendships across campus
- Community inclusion
- Person-centered planning
- Opportunity to grow academically, physically, socially, and spiritually
-
Admission
- Completion of high school with a certificate of completion or high school diploma
- Future goals for living independently and having paid, competitive employment
- Additional admission requirements can be viewed on the Ready for Life Academy partner site
- Financial aid is available. Learn more about financial aid options.
Application materials (click to download)
-
Program Courses
Program Requirements
Inclusive college courses
- 21-24 credits in a concentration of your choice
- 21-24 credits from the Calvin liberal arts core
Life Skills (8 credits)
- RFLA 101 - Consumer Spending
- RFLA 102 - Budget Building
- RFLA 103 - Managing Money
- RFLA 104 - Financial Literacy
Relationships (8 credits)
- RFLA 111 - Peer Relationships
- RFLA 112 - Social Thinking
- RFLA 113 - Digital Communication and Literacy
- RFLA 114 - Communication
Employment (8 credits)
- RFLA 121 - Personal Management
- RFLA 122 - Career Management
- RFLA 123 - Life Management
- RFLA 124 - Making the Effort: Success in the Workplace
- RFLA 380 - Internship
Independent Living (8 credits)
- RFLA 131 - Moving Out on Your Own
- RFLA 132 - Everyday Household Tasks
- RFLA 133 - Health and Safety
- RFLA 134 - Sexuality and Wellness
Seminars
- RFLA 163 - Ready for Life First-Year Seminar
- RFLA 164 - Senior Seminar
Genius Hour
- RFLA 151 - Introduction to the Research Process
- RFLA 152 - Effective Communication: Design and Presentation
- RFLA 153 - Extending Your Research: Digital Communication
Optional Electives
- RFLA 171 - Current Events
- RFLA 172 - Literacy
- RFLA 390 - Independent Study
Advisor
Michelle Terrill
Ready For Life Network
Calvin's Ready For Life Academy program is associated with the Ready For Life Network, which provides opportunities for young adults with cognitive, learning and social disabilities. Learn more »
A supportive community of learners
Calvin's Center for Student Success is one of many resources students rely on for academic support and career and life planning. Learn more about these support services »
You are welcome here
Calvin's community welcomes learners from all backgrounds and abilities. Learn more about inclusion at Calvin »
Family income distribution for students applying for financial aid.
You can afford a Calvin education.
You’ve heard a lot about the high cost of a university education. But a Calvin education is much more affordable than you think. Most Calvin students pay far below the sticker price—and graduate with less debt than you might expect.
A reputation for excellence.
There’s a reason Calvin gets top marks from U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, and more. Calvin graduates are in demand at grad schools, med schools, and careers in every field.
ACADEMIC OPTIONS
With over 100 majors and programs, you’re bound to find something you love.
Browse by category
- Arts
- Business
- Communication & Media Studies
- Education
- Education (BA, BS)
- Many specializations, including:
- Master of Education (MEd)
- Master of Education (MEd) Online
- Health Sciences
- Exercise Science
- Kinesiology (Pre-professional Emphasis)
- Nursing
- One Health
- Pre-Dentistry
- Pre-Medicine
- Pre-Occupational Therapy
- Pre-Optometry
- Pre-Pharmacy
- Pre-Physical Therapy
- Pre-Physician Assistant
- Pre-Podiatry
- Pre-Veterinary
- Public Health
- Recreation Leadership
- Speech Pathology and Audiology (BA, MA)
- Master of Speech Pathology
- Theraputic Recreation
- Humanities
- Ministry
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
- Social Sciences
- World Languages & Cultural Studies
Apply to Calvin
It all starts here! We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. All completed applications receive equal consideration.
Start your journey
Visit Calvin
Find the visit option that works best for you and get a taste for life at Calvin!
Browse Visit Options Launch the virtual tour
Request Info
Learn why Calvin’s dedication to faith and discovery have earned it the rank of #3 among regional midwest universities.
Loading...
Costs & Financial Aid
Families from all economic backgrounds—many just like yours—are making Calvin work. Scholarships, grants and loans are the tools that make Calvin possible.
Explore financial aid & Scholarships How much does Calvin cost?