LABI College holds a distinct place in history as one of the United States' oldest educational institutions dedicated to serving the Hispanic community. Its origins can be traced back to an important moment on October 1, 1926, when Miss Alice E. Luce, a former Anglican missionary, partnered with Ralph and Richard Williams to establish the Latin American Bible Institute. This endeavor was carried out in collaboration with what was then known as the Glad Tidings Bible Institute.
Miss Luce's unwavering commitment to creating a Bible school specifically tailored to the Hispanic community has been a driving force behind LABI-CA's ongoing success. During a period of remarkable expansion, the institution underwent two relocations. In 1935, it made the transition from San Diego to the neighboring town of La Mesa, California. Subsequently, in 1941, LABI relocated once more, this time to Los Angeles, in response to the growing number of students seeking ministerial training.
With an increasing number of students and limited space, the necessity for more extensive facilities became evident. The institute took action by acquiring land in La Puente, California, which is the current site of its campus. By the year 1950, LABI College proudly celebrated the graduation of its inaugural class at this new location, marking a significant milestone in the institution's history.[2]
Since 2018, LABI College has approval to operate by the State of California, Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
The institute was granted an exception to Title IX in 2016 which allows it to legally discriminate against LGBT students for religious reasons. It is ranked among the "Absolute Worst Campuses for LGBTQ Youth" by Campus Pride.[2]
Alice E. Luce, LABI College's founder, established the institution. Subsequently, Simon Franco assumed the presidency, becoming the college's first Hispanic president. The administration of LABI College was a collaborative effort involving Alice Luce and H.C. Ball. This is supported by references in two books: Gaston Espinosa's "Latino Pentecostals in America" and Arlene Sanchez Walsh's "Latino Pentecostal Identity." These publications emphasize H.C. Ball's pivotal role in the early development of the Assemblies of God Latino movement and bible schools.
