San Damiano College for the Trades is set to officially open in Springfield, with move-in day scheduled for August 16. The college welcomes 22 students from various states including New York, Massachusetts, Virginia, Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

The institution aims to help young men recover the dignity of work while integrating it into a life oriented toward spiritual values. The college offers two programs: the House of Formation Program and a planned associate’s degree in the great books tradition of the liberal arts.

The House of Formation Program includes a structured schedule on Mondays and Fridays featuring morning workouts, Mass, intellectual formation sessions, trades exposure in the afternoon, communal meals, and evening prayers with Norbertine priests. On other weekdays and some Saturdays, students work in the community to gain on-the-job training and earn money for their education. The program also provides monthly spiritual direction with a priest as well as annual missionary pilgrimages and silent retreats.

Plans are underway for an associate’s degree that combines spiritual formation and hands-on trade experience over three years. This curriculum focuses on intellectual virtues through studies in logic, grammar, rhetoric, philosophy, math, science, humanities, and theology. All students follow one integrated curriculum without electives.

Dr. Kent Lasnoski noted strong support from local organizations: “What is most encouraging about starting a totally different kind of educational experience is the excitement and collaboration from all around the diocese.” With assistance from the Tracy Family Foundation, San Damiano was able to remodel its shop spaces. Local companies such as CAD Construction; Prairie State Plumbing and Heating; Air Masters; Johnstone Supply; Tremco Roofing; E.L. Pruitt; ProMax Construction; Otto Baum; Ryan Electric; local Carpenters’ Union; IBEW (electricians) union; Korte Co.; Korte Luitjohann; Poettker Construction have contributed by providing presentations or demonstrations to students about apprenticeships and careers in building trades.

The college is also working with Quincy University to explore ways both institutions can collaborate to address workforce shortages and make higher education more accessible.

Interest in San Damiano College has been high among prospective students seeking post-secondary education options that do not require standardized test scores or create significant debt burdens. Applications are already being accepted for fall 2026 enrollment.

Anyone seeking further information can contact San Damiano College at (217) 572-9222 or visit their campus at 4875 La Verna Road in Springfield.