Sangamon Sun

Central Illinois will soon have a new trade school focused on traditional Catholic education. San Damiano College for the Trades is expected to open its doors in the Fall of 2025. Kent Lasnoski, the president of the school, expressed his enthusiasm for this new venture and is eager to start offering quality education through trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical contracting.

“San Damiano College is exactly what we need right now,” Coffey said. “In a world that’s increasingly fast-paced and focused on the next big thing, this school is taking a step back and asking, ‘What does it mean to live a good life?’ By combining trade skills with a strong Catholic education, San Damiano is preparing students not just for jobs but for lives of integrity, service, and faith. I’m confident this school will have a lasting impact on our community and beyond.”

The new school will replace the campus of the former Chiara Center, located on the grounds of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis in Springfield. The Franciscan Brothers of the Holy Cross operated the St. James Trade School there from 1928 to 1972. This new institution will provide skilled trade training alongside Catholic education, giving students a unique opportunity to build their futures on these strong foundations. The college plans to offer associate degrees, hoping to attract students from across the nation while focusing on meeting the needs of Central Illinois.

State Representative Mike Coffey, who has been a strong supporter of educational initiatives that align with community values, sees great potential in this new institution.

San Damiano’s mission aligns closely with broader trends in Illinois where high school trades and apprenticeship programs are offering students various career paths. Whether students choose to enter the workforce immediately after graduation or continue their education, San Damiano College aims to prepare them to meet today's job market demands while staying grounded in their values.

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