![]() |
![]() |
Founded in 1980, St. Augustine College is an independent college, with four educational centers in the Chicago area and one in Aurora. It is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Our institution maintains modern facilities, the latest instructional materials, highly qualified faculty and a nurturing environment with a personal touch. We offer excellent academic programs that include a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and a wide range of Associate Degrees and Career Certificates that prepare you for successful employment or to transfer to a four year university to complete a Bachelor Degrees. We accommodate the needs of traditional and working students by offering day, evening and Saturday classes and providing child care services. Mission & HistoryThe first permanent European settlement in this country, in Florida, was named St. Augustine and was founded by Pedro Menendez de Aviles on September 8, 1565, fifty years before the landing of the Pilgrims in New England. Just as these Spanish settlers were pioneers in their time, so are the founders of St. Augustine College in Chicago: pioneers in bilingual (dual-language) higher education. The College is also named after Bishop Augustine of Hippo, an educator and philosopher whose teachings helped to shape modern thought.
History On October 7, 1980, the Illinois State Board of Higher Education granted operating authority to the first bilingual institution of higher education in Illinois: St. Augustine College. This educational setting is unique in Illinois, and one of a few in the country. It came into existence as a result of years of work, observation, and research, and is based on more than ten years of community work performed by the Spanish Episcopal Services, an educational agency that was created under the auspices of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago by Father Carlos A. Plazas, Ph. D., in 1970. The College founders reacted to observation and research that indicated that a large number of Hispanic adults, because of specific circumstances, could avail themselves of dual-language (bilingual) academic and vocational career training. These findings also indicated that many Hispanic adults were capable of actively participating in four-year degree programs, but needed educational assistance to be able to compete at this level of education. Since there were no institutions of higher education to respond to these educational needs and provide opportunities for dual-language learning, the Board of Directors of Spanish Episcopal Services elected to support the formation of St. Augustine College.
Mission St. Augustine College is an independent, bilingual (dual-language) institution of higher education created under the auspices of the Episcopal Diocese to make the American system of higher education accessible to a diverse student population with emphasis on those of Hispanic descent; to strengthen ethnic identity; to reinforce cultural interaction; and to build a bridge to fill cultural, educational, and socio-economic gaps. |
![]() |
![]() |