Goodwin University nursing student advocates for scholarships and grants post Stone Academy closure

The Connecticut State Legislature's Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee held a public hearing on March 4, 2025, focusing on the challenges faced by students following the closure of Stone Academy. One poignant testimony came from a nursing student who shared her personal journey and the impact of the academy's closure on her education and career aspirations.

The student, who is now attending Goodwin University to complete her Registered Nurse (RN) training, expressed her struggles with financial burdens stemming from student loans that remain unresolved due to the academy's abrupt shutdown. She emphasized the importance of scholarships and grants in alleviating these financial pressures, not only for herself but also for her classmates who are similarly affected.

During her testimony, she recounted her long-standing passion for nursing, which began at the age of 16. She had initially enrolled in Stone Academy to pursue a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification but was unable to complete her program when the institution closed 20 months into her studies. The student highlighted the ongoing difficulties in managing educational expenses and the slow process of loan cancellation, which has hindered her and her peers from continuing their education.

The committee members expressed sympathy for her situation and acknowledged the broader implications of the academy's closure on many students' educational paths. The discussion underscored the need for financial support mechanisms to assist those impacted by such institutional disruptions.

As the hearing progressed, the committee continued to gather testimonies and insights on proposed legislation, including SB 14 14, aimed at addressing these educational challenges. The meeting highlighted the critical need for legislative action to support students navigating the aftermath of sudden school closures.