May 9, 2025

First Ready for Life students ready to celebrate the triumph of program completion at Ferris State commencement

Ferris State University’s Ready for Life program prepares students with intellectual disabilities and autism for independence and job skills – with some taking a major step this weekend as the program’s first graduates.  

Six students will be honored at the 10 a.m. commencement on Saturday, May 10 with other Ferris State graduates.

“I feel great. I’m getting myself back on a path right now,” said Sujay Kolli, of Novi, one of the six highlighted students. “I’m a little bit excited, a bit nervous, too. It feels real for me now that I am done with the program and graduating in 2025. Now, I get to see what the future holds.”

Kolli, like his classmates, immersed himself in the college experience at Ferris State, which partners with the Ready for Life Academy for the program.

“My experience at Ferris State was great,” he said. “There have been some ups and downs, but I feel like I’ve handled them pretty well. It has been great getting to know so many people on campus. I joined the American Marketing Association, the Bowling Club, and had so much fun on campus while completing the program.”

Ready for Life instructor Sheila Boyd heard from the Commencement Office team about the opportunity for this first group to participate in a ceremony, having received certificates of completion.

Each student begins the program by building a student-centered learning plan to develop realistic learning objectives and identify areas of natural talent to be further developed.  

Based on the student’s interests and abilities the program offers opportunities for the student to earn college credit. The courses are intentionally selected for the Ready for Life students to attend. The curriculum used at RFLA focuses on transition skills to help students gain independence and job skills.

Ready for Life provides support systems to ensure each student is provided with the resources they need to succeed in the university environment. An instructor supports each student in daily personal planning and partners with Ferris State professors to adapt the academic materials from the college courses each student is taking. University students also volunteer as academic and social mentors to Ready for Life students.

Boyd expressed gratitude for the students having this opportunity at commencement to celebrate this achievement, which she said demonstrates that post-high school educational doors are open for students with autism and intellectual disabilities.

“This is an amazing opportunity for our students to be recognized and included in celebrating this ceremony with their peers,” Boyd said. “They’re excited to enjoy this graduation experience like everyone else celebrating this weekend.”

Ferris State’s commencement ceremonies take place May 9-10.