Rasmussen College Opens Chicago-Based Learning Center, Providing Access to Higher Education

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"We could not be more excited and proud to open the Rasmussen College Centro de Aprendizaje in southwest Chicago — providing another gateway to higher education," said Dr. Trenda Boyum-Breen, Rasmussen College president. "The Centro de Aprendizaje will be an extension of the work Rasmussen College has been doing with the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL) and will align with our commitment to breaking down technology and financial barriers many high school students and adult learners face when pursuing a college degree."

According to a 2012 Chicago demographic survey, less than four percent of people living near the Centro de Aprendizaje age 25 and over have an associate's degree, compared to 7.76 percent nationally. Just seven percent hold a bachelor's degree, which is significantly less than the national average of 18.25 percent. Through a long-standing partnership with AUSL, a non-profit 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 a continuation of the College's more than 116-year tradition of providing high-demand, affordable degree offerings and innovative learning options that meet the evolving needs of students.

"The Academy for Urban School Leadership is proud to support the newly created Rasmussen College Centro de Aprendizaje," said Dr. Don Feinstein, executive director, AUSL. "The center offers students of the AUSL network, and the community at large, the option for dual-credit coursework or to earn a college degree in a variety of programs. The opportunities help widen the range of academic choices for our students, and we're excited to support this important initiative."

Center to Help Provide Access to Technology

Only 53 percent of families living near the Rasmussen College Centro de Aprendizaje have regular access to the internet, making it difficult for students to complete coursework; a contributing factor to the lower education statistics in the area. The Centro de Aprendizaje will include 21 computer terminals, tables for gathering, a student lounge and a conference room. In addition to students, the center will be available to local business and community organizations to use as meeting space at no cost, whenever possible, a public benefit the College provides at its 22 campuses.

"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," said Claudia Lule, associate campus director, Rasmussen College Centro de Aprendizaje. "Whether that is equipping high school students with the technology, environment and guidance they need to transition to the next level of education, or providing adult learners with flexible and efficient online courses so they can balance work and family obligations while working toward a degree. These residents, many of whom are first-generation students, value education and want the best for their families. We are committed to meeting their needs on multiple levels."

About Rasmussen College's Partnership with AUSL

In 2009, Rasmussen College began working with AUSL by providing dual-credit opportunities for students at no cost at five CPS high schools. To date, more than 700 high school students have taken dual-credit courses through the Rasmussen College AUSL partnership, adding up to a cost-savings of approximately $865,000.

Rasmussen College currently serves around 1,300 students at its three Chicagoland campuses located in Mokena/Tinley Park, Aurora/Naperville and Romeoville/Joliet. Rasmussen College would like to thank Banco Popular for donating the Centro de Aprendizaje space at no cost.

ABOUT RASMUSSEN COLLEGE:
Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited private college and Public Benefit Corporation that is dedicated to changing lives and the communities it serves through high-demand and flexible educational programs. Since 1900, the College has been committed to academic innovation and providing a high standard of education while empowering students to pursue a college degree. Rasmussen College offers certificate and diploma programs through associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online and across its 22 Midwest and Florida campuses. A pioneer in online education, the College is helping lead advancements in innovations such as competency-based education and comprehensive student support services that help working adults advance their careers. The College is also committed to providing a positive impact on society through public service and a variety of community-based initiatives. For more information about Rasmussen College, please visit www.rasmussen.edu.

ABOUT THE ACADEMY FOR URBAN SCHOOL LEADERSHIP:
The Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL) is a Chicago nonprofit school management organization that creates schools of excellence by developing highly effective teachers and transforming educational outcomes for students in the lowest performing schools. AUSL was founded in 2001 and today manages 31 Chicago Public Schools serving 17,000 students. Over 950 teachers have graduated from the AUSL Chicago Teacher Residency™. To learn more about the Academy for Urban School Leadership, please visit www.auslchicago.org.

Contact: Molly Andersen
Phone: 952-844-5647
Mobile: 903-920-4366
Email: [email protected]   

SOURCE Rasmussen College

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