FERNDALE, Mich. — Ferndale Public Schools’ Adult Transition Program is helping young adults ages 18 to 26 with disabilities build practical workplace skills, gain independence, and make meaningful contributions to their school and community through hands-on, work-based learning experiences.
Through partnerships with local organizations and community-based vocational experiences, students develop essential job skills through hands-on learning. With support from a job coach, they practice workplace routines, follow directions, complete assigned tasks, solve problems, and build confidence while gaining experience in real-world employment settings.
Current work-based learning opportunities include:
Henry Ford Hospital: Students gain experience in a health care setting, build practical workplace skills, and learn what is expected in a professional environment.
Ferndale Bus Garage and Blessings in a Backpack: Students help prepare and organize materials for Blessings in a Backpack, a community effort that supports children and families.
The Elks Club: Students take on food preparation, cleaning, organizing and upkeep of shared spaces. These responsibilities build transferable skills used in both hospitality and food service facility support.
Building-wide recycling initiative: Students travel throughout the FHS/FMS campus to collect recyclable materials, taking responsibility for an ongoing effort that supports environmental awareness and sustainability. Along the way, they practice following school routines, completing tasks and contributing to a cleaner, healthier school-wide environment.
Each experience gives students a chance to strengthen communication, teamwork, organization, responsibility, task completion and the ability to follow workplace procedures. Activities are adapted to each student’s abilities, learning goals, support needs, and level of independence.
“Our students show us every day what they can accomplish when they are given real opportunities and the right level of guided support with a gradual release of responsibility, towards independence,” said Alisha Byrd, director of special education. “These experiences in real-world work-based learning sites help our adult learners to build their employment skills, increase their confidence, and to make connections they will carry into their adult lives. We are grateful to our community partners who open their doors to them every day, and who continue to foster these partnerships year after year.”
“The goal is bigger than learning a job task,” said Superintendent Camille Hibbler. “It is about building confidence, developing independence, discovering potential and helping every student prepare for a meaningful adult life.”
The program reflects the district’s commitment to connecting learning with experiences beyond the classroom. By working alongside community partners and taking part in real workplace activities, students explore their interests, recognize their strengths and build skills that support future employment, community participation and independent living.
The partnerships also show the role local organizations play in creating inclusive opportunities for young adults with disabilities. When students are given meaningful responsibilities and the right support, they have the chance to contribute, grow and show what they can do.
About Ferndale Public Schools
Founded in 1887, Ferndale Public Schools serves approximately 3,100 students from the communities of Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Oak Park, Royal Oak Township and portions of Hazel Park. The district provides a comprehensive educational experience from early childhood through high school, offering rigorous academics, innovative learning opportunities, award-winning arts and athletics, career and technical education, and comprehensive social-emotional supports. Recognized for its commitment to equity, inclusion and student-centered learning, Ferndale Public Schools empowers every student to discover their potential, achieve academic success and become engaged members of their communities.
To learn more about Ferndale Public Schools, visit the website. To stay up to date on district news, events and announcements, visit the News page.