x
Breaking News
More () »

Future still uncertain for some Brightwood College students

Earlier this month, they were handed a letter stating the vocational school was permanently closing its doors.

SAN ANTONIO — The future is still uncertain for former students of Brightwood College a few weeks after the school announced it was abruptly shutting down.

Alamo Colleges is offering to help former students and instructors of Brightwood in the meantime.

Barbara Gonzalez and Melissa Scovel are just two of the students affected after going to what they thought would be another day of class Dec. 5. Instead, they found themselves at a crossroads.

"I freaked out," Gonzalez said. "I was wondering, 'Where am I going to go now?'"

"It is not going to make me quit on my dreams," Scovel added. "It is not going to make me stop believing in myself. It is just going to make me go forward."

Scovel was just two months into her program. Gonzalez, meanwhile, was in the homestretch of a nine-month program to become a medical assistant. The two attended a meeting at Alamo Colleges where the district is offering to help.

Jessica Rendon works with Alamo Colleges District Workforce Training Network, which offers non-degree courses, certificates and industry-specific certifications.

"Students are frustrated and finances were on the mind, and most of the concerns with what is going to transfer," she said.

Rendon said they believe in student success and want to provide the opportunity for the Allied Health students of Brightwood College to complete their certificate programs with the Alamo Colleges District.

"If they are seeking diploma tracks, which are CE certificates, no, you don't have to start over," she said. "If you are seeking a degree, please talk with the colleges they have advising staff and financial aid that can walk you through your options."

Rendon said there may even be options for Brightwood instructors to "teach out" their respective courses. As for Gonzalez, she said students need to do their homework when looking at schools.

"Really look into that college; make sure they have the courses that you want," she said. "Because if not, they will end up shutting down one day and you are just stuck with nothing."

Brightwood had more than 75 campuses across the country. According to reports, before it shut down the company that owned the school had its accreditation suspended.

No matter what happens to Gonzalez and Scovel, the U.S. Department of Education reports it would automatically cancel $150 million in student loans connected to for-profit colleges that closed in recent years.

For more information on Alamo Colleges District, click here.

Before You Leave, Check This Out