College of Education and Human Development

Twelve Mason LIFE Students Earn Certificate of Completion

Mason Learning into Future Environments, more commonly known as Mason LIFE, held a graduation ceremony for 12 of its students at the beginning of May.

"As always, I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments our senior students reached while completing our federally approved, rigorous program," said Dr. Robin Moyher, Mason LIFE’s assistant director. "I look forward to hearing from them as they share with us their postsecondary adventures in employment and living and being engaged in the community."

The Mason LIFE program, begun in 2002, is dual-purposed. First, it offers its more than 50 students with intellectual and developmental disabilities a four-year, supportive academic university experience. It includes an optional residential component, a postsecondary curriculum of study, and vocational training in a work specialty area.

Second, the program provides experiential learning opportunities for approximately 100 Mason undergraduate and graduate students serving in support staff roles. More than a quarter of these students are working toward a master of education (MEd) in special education while the others are pursing undergraduate degrees in human service disciplines (approximately 5% then pursue Mason’s MEd in special education).

The students from this year’s graduating class have already begun looking for employment, and some have already found jobs. Some of them are also seeking housing opportunities with their fellow classmates, according to Moyher.

Many of the students were active in student life organizations, including Young LIFE, College Republicans, and College Democrats. They were also regulars at athletic games and events at the Center for the Arts. Some of their most popular classes were cooking, literature, drama, public speaking, fitness, and sport management.

As Moyher summed it up, the Mason LIFE program is "a chance to have a college experience, continue to grow and learn"—something every college student strives to do.

Learn more about the Mason LIFE program.