Student Application 2025-2026

Student Application 2025-2026
Ready For Life Academy Postsecondary Transition Program

at Hope College, Holland, MI and Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI
Applicants must be able to answer "yes" to these statements.
1.  Is at least 18 years of age and not older than 26 years of age.

2.  Has an intellectual/developmental disability and or autism.

3.  Has health insurance (Medicaid, Medicare, Private).

4.  Has exhibited an interest and desire for greater independence and parent(s)/guardian(s) support the pursuit of independence.

5. Have the capacity to successfully navigate campus.

6.  Possess or is willing to learn time management skills and can follow a schedule with/without accommodations (i.e., picture schedule).

7.  Can communicate with others effectively with/without accommodations.

8.  Has a cell phone (prior to starting the program).

9.  Has socially adaptive and responsible behavior so when left unsupervised for up to 4 hours and is able to follow/adhere to rules and instruction.

10.  Is willing to learn and use alternative models of travel, such as public transportation.

11.  Is independent in grooming and hygiene routines. **

12.  Applicant can independently self-administer medicines**

13.  Can prepare simple meals (i.e., make breakfast, a sandwich or salad, use a microwave).

** Residential staff do not have the certification required to provide medication management or serve as a personal care assistant. If these services are required, the family will need to contract with a private provider for personal care and/or medical management during the program.

By signing this form, the potential participant and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) acknowledge having read and understood the basic criteria of the Academy and Residential Programs. This form must be signed and returned with the application packet. It must also be noted that this form includes ONLY the basic criteria for acceptance. Final acceptance to the program will be determined by the Admissions Committee.
Participant Signature

Clear
Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Parent/Guardian Signature

Clear
Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Applicant Printed Name

First NameLast Name
Enrollment Start Date:
Application

Please be prepared to provide the following with this application: 1) a recent photograph of the applicant, 2) $50 application fee, 3) high school transcript - can be unofficial, 4) most current IEP, 5) educational/psychological/behavioral evals/support services evals. Be sure to complete all sections of the application. Document submission and payment instructions are at the end of the application. Thank you for your thouroughness.
Student and Family Information (A)

To be completed by the student and/or family member/guardian
A. Student Information
Name of Student: Last, First, Middle
Nickname
Street Address
City
State
Zip
County
Home Phone
Cell Phone
Student Email
example@example.com
Date of Birth

MonthDayYear
Date
State ID Number
Age
Sex assigned at birth
Gender Identity
Sexual Orientation
Preferred Pronouns
Race
Campus 1st Choice
Campus 2nd Choice
Student receives support or services from (please check all that apply):

Supplemental Security IncomeCommunity Mental HealthMedicaid AssistanceSocial Security Disability InsuranceVocational Rehabilitation ServicesOther: CLS services through MedicaidOther
Check all that apply:

I am my own guardianMy parents have Power of AttorneyMy parents are my guardianWe have not filled out the paperworkOther
Student currently resides with:

MotherFatherBothFoster ParentOther
T-shirt size
Parent/Guardian Information (Primary Contact)
Name
Address: Street, City, State & Zip
Home Phone
Cell Phone
Email
example@example.com
Parent/Guardian Information (Secondary Contact)
Name
Address: Street, City, State & Zip
Home Phone
Cell Phone
Email
example@example.com
C. Siblings
Sibling #1 Name
Sibling #1 Age
Sibling #2 Name
Sibling #2 Age
Sibling #3 Name
Sibling #3 Age
Sibling #4 Name
Sibling #4 Age
D. Independent Activities
Have you ever been away from home before?

YesNo
If “Yes,” where did you go and how long were you away from home? Did you enjoy that experience?
Educational Information (B)

to be completed by parent or guardian
Name(s) and location(s) of high school(s).
Years attended.
Name(s) and location(s) of high school(s).
Years attended.
Did you graduate from high school?

YesNo
If yes, name of certificate received (diploma or certificate of completion)
When did you graduate from high school?

MonthDayYear
Date
Has the student participated in general education classes in his or her high school years?

YesNo
Please list the general education classes taken by the student for their junior and senior years:
What accommodations were used to support the student in these classes?
Identify learning strategies used to facilitate a positive experience.
Reference Information (C)
Ready for Life requires two people to complete a reference form on you. Please list two people from your educational career who can attest to your school performance over the past few years.
Reference #1 Name:
Reference #1 relationship to the applicant:
Reference #1 email:
Reference #2 Name:
Reference #2 relationship to the applicant:
Reference #2 email:
Work Information (D)

To be completed by student with assistance from a parent or guardian
Has the student demonstrated success in supported or independent work experiences or unpaid job or volunteer opportunities) in the community or the school?

YesNo

If yes, please list work experiences and level of support required. (Does the student require one-to-one supervision or periodic support to perform the job, or does she or he work independently?)

	Job Description	Dates of Experience	Level of Support	Reason for Leaving
#1
#2
#3
#4

If no, why has he/she not participated in school or community work experience?
Has the student held a paid job in the community?

YesNo

If yes, please list the jobs held, the dates of employment, the level of support, wages received, and the student's reason for leaving.

	Job Description	Dates of Employment	Level of Support	Wage Reason for Leaving	-
#1
#2
#3

Is the student currently employed in his or her neighborhood?

YesNo
Does the student require specialized equipment, adaptations, or modifications, or specific reinforces at the workplace? If so, please describe:
If the student has not been engaged in a paid employment position, why not?
Behavior Information (E)

To be completed by a parent or guardian
Does the student demonstrate satisfactory school attendance?

YesNo
How often is school missed for illness?
How often is school missed for doctor appointments?
Does the student demonstrate satisfactory school behavior?

YesNo
If no, please describe the nature of the student's behavioral challenges:
Has the student ever been suspended or expelled?

YesNo
If yes, what was the nature of the offense?
How was the suspension or expulsion resolved?
How would the student handle the following scenarios?
A professor is absent and has left a note on the door stating that class has been cancelled.
During class, the fire alarm goes off and the building is being evacuated.
An unknown adult asks the student to come with him or her.
A college peer of the opposite gender initiates friendly conversation with this student.
The student is in the dining hall or café for lunch unsupervised.
The student has been given a schedule of times and places to be at for the day.
Disability, Medical Conditions and Health Information (F)

To be completed by a parent or guardian. Please use space provided to answer the questions and elaborate as much as possible, and feel free to add extra pages if necessary.
Height
Weight
Disability or Condition (Please check all that apply):

Down SyndromeAttention Deficit HyperactivityCerebral PalsyAutismPrader/Willi SyndromeEmotional Disorder Bipolar, Depression, etc.Spina BifidaMuscular Dystrophy
If chromosomal abnormality, please list diagnosis and explain.
If intellectual disability, please list diagnosis and explain.
If deaf/hearing impaired, please list diagnosis and explain.
If student has a speech disorder, please list diagnosis and explain.
If student is blind or visual impaired, please list diagnosis and explain.
If student has an impairment not listed, please list diagnosis and explain.
Please list se list all medications that you are currently taking. Include the dosage/frequency, purpose of themedications, and any side effect(s):
Are you independent in self-administering medications and remembering to take medication? **

YesNo
** Please note that the Academy and Residential Services do not have a nurse or any other medical personnel.
Describe chronic health problems for which you see a doctor:
List and food or drug allergies:
Please describe the applicant’s ability to communicate with staff and other students:
Please list any significant medical and/or physical conditions that may impact your participation in social and/or recreational activities within the program for example: severe allergies or visual disability:
Seizures

Yes, please answer the questions belowNo
Type
Duration/Severity
Frequency
Are the seizures controlled with medication?

YesNo
Please list any assistive technology that you use i.e., wheelchair, eyeglasses, prosthesis, walker, hearing aid, roll aid, etc and if you require accessibility accommodations.
Do you currently receive private therapeutic services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychiatry, speech therapy, or behavioral therapy? If yes, please list.
Immunization Requirements
We believe that the campus community is best served when every student is immunized. In compliance with recommendations from the American College Health Association, the following vaccines are required for all incoming Ready for Life Students:
- MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis
- Meningococcal Vaccine A, C, Y, W-135
- Tetanus booster within the last 10 years
- Serogroup B Meningococcal
- Varicella Vaccine
- Influenza
- Meningitis B
Students must provide documented poof of these immunization before entering the Ready for Life Academy program on the campuses of Hope College and Ferris State University.
Application Checklist
Applicant Name
Application will not be considered until ALL requested information is received.
Application Checklist

___ $50.00 Application fee payable to Ready For Life.

**Venmo to @ReadyforLife-Administration. Please note student's name. **Checks may be mailed to: Ready For Life, 3250 28th St SE Ste 102, Grand Rapids, MI 49512. Please note student's name in the memo.

___ Submit Completed Application (Sections A-F) online

Please upload the following documents

___ A current photo

___ High School Academic Transcript - can be unofficial (including disciplinary records)

___ Current or most recent IEP and any postsecondary program record(s)

___ Educational/Psychological/Behavioral Evaluations/support services evaluation (OT, Speech, PT)
Payment Submitted Via:
File Upload Here

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This application was completed by applicant with-

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Academy Applications are due by December 15 of the year prior to fall enrollment.
Academy Application and Acceptance Timeline
- Application Deadline: December 15 of the year prior to fall enrollment.
- Student Interviews: January 18-25
- Announcement Letters Sent: February 1
- Acceptance Letter Return Due Date: February 15
- Tuition Assistance Application: May 1-30
- Tuition Assistance Letters Sent: June 15
- Mandatory Student Orientation: TBD
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Student Application 2025-2026

Ready For Life Academy Postsecondary Transition Program

Applicants must be able to answer "yes" to these statements.

Application

Student and Family Information (A)

A. Student Information

Parent/Guardian Information (Primary Contact)

Parent/Guardian Information (Secondary Contact)

C. Siblings

D. Independent Activities

Educational Information (B)

Reference Information (C)

Ready for Life requires two people to complete a reference form on you. Please list two people from your educational career who can attest to your school performance over the past few years.

Work Information (D)

Behavior Information (E)

Disability, Medical Conditions and Health Information (F)

Immunization Requirements

Application Checklist

Academy Application and Acceptance Timeline