Curious about Rasmussen College’s first urban learning center, the Centro de Aprendizaje? We spoke with associate campus director Claudia Lule to learn more about the ins-and-outs of the Centro de Aprendizaje (Learning Center) so you are prepared before you step foot inside.

What is the history of Rasmussen College and the Centro de Aprendizaje?

Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited private college and has been dedicated to changing lives and the communities it serves through its high-demand and flexible educational programs since 1900. The College is committed to academic innovation while empowering students to pursue a college degree. The College offers Certificate and Diploma programs through Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs online and across its 24 campuses.

The Rasmussen College Centro de Aprendizaje is a community education hub in southwest Chicago that opened in 2017. The first of its kind for the College, the Learning Center provides high school students and adult learners with academic coaching and advising, computer/internet access, study space and a bilingual staff.

Through a long-standing partnership with the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL), a nonprofit organization that manages more than 30 Chicago Public Schools (CPS), Rasmussen College has helped hundreds of high school students in Chicago reach graduation and successfully transition to college or the workforce. This partnership and the opening of the Centro de Aprendizaje are in continuation with the College’s more than a century-old tradition of providing high-demand, affordable degree offerings and innovative learning options that meet the evolving needs of students and the communities the College is called to serve.

Where is the Centro de Aprendizaje located?

As the hub of this growing community, the Learning Center is located in the West Elsdon neighborhood of Southwest Chicago. The building, which is located in a former Banco Popular across from Medical Mercy, has been completely renovated to meet student needs. There is ample free parking available for students, faculty, staff and visitors on site.

“Our community–many of whom are first-generation students–value education and want the best for their families,” Lule says. “We are committed to meeting their needs on multiple levels. As a Latina, I look like our students, which I feel helps them relate to me, and it starts to build a trusting relationship.”

In addition to the Learning Center, Rasmussen College currently serves approximately 1,300 students at its three Chicagoland campuses located in Mokena/Tinley Park, Aurora/Naperville and Romeoville/Joliet.

What resources and support services are offered at the Centro de Aprendizaje?

High school AUSL students and adult learners have access to wireless internet and computers, study and meeting spaces, academic coaching and financial guidance on-site. Students and community members can also benefit from working with bilingual staff who are available at the Learning Center.

“We know helping residents of southwest Chicago reach their career aspirations begins with providing them with the tools and resources they need to be successful,” Lule says.

In addition to in-person resources, enrolled students have access to everything they need, from academics to financial aid. The online Student Portal is the gateway to a variety of self-service tools, from course materials, grades, account balance, financial aid and library resources to career help and even 24/7 tech help.

Additional resources include:

• Online Classroom
• Student Account Center
• Library and Learning Resources
• Personal Support Center
• Career Services

Quick facts about the Centro de Aprendizaje and its surrounding community:

• Looking for the best quick bite to eat nearby? Unfortunately, the staff at the Centro de Aprendizaje haven’t quite settled on just one option. The good news? There are so many great local, family-owned taquerias and restaurants that this strong debate has led to lots of taste tests and food to go around.
• Mind + Hand, a local community center dedicated to providing the community with educational workshops, skills training and access to a makerspace is nearby and is often a place where students congregate and connect.

Find support at the Rasmussen College – Centro de Aprendizaje

Here at the Rasmussen College Centro de Aprendizaje, students and the community are the College’s priorities. Staff and faculty pride themselves on creating an inspiring and supportive environment to help students advance their education and change their lives for the better. If you want to learn more about finding your place in this community of learners, speak with an advisor today!