Attorney General Josh Shapiro Provides New Information about Claims Process for Former Brightwood Schools Students

March 19, 2019 | Topic: Consumers

Students Affected by School Closing Must File Claims by May 23, 2019

HARRISBURG — Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced new information about the claims process for students who previously attended Brightwood schools across Pennsylvania.

In December 2018, Education Corporation of America (ECA), owner of Brightwood College, Brightwood Career Institute, Virginia College, Golf Academy of America and Ecotech Institute, announced that it would cease operations that same month. More than 1,500 Pennsylvania students at campuses in Philadelphia, Broomall, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh were impacted. A Federal Court Receiver was appointed in the Middle District of Georgia.

Recently, that Court entered an Order that sets up a claims process for impacted students to file a claim in the receivership. Those students must submit a claim form by May 23, 2019 with the necessary information to be considered eligible. Students with claims relating to the closure of the school or issues that arose during the time the school was open may file. Eligible students who attended the schools from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018 have been mailed a postcard with information about the claims process.

Claim forms and additional documents and information about the Receivership and the claims process can be obtained by calling 1-888-204-0736.

“My Office is working to recover for students and is in close communication with the court-appointed Receiver to ensure affected Pennsylvania students know their rights,” said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. “Any PA student impacted by these school closings must file a complaint by May 23, 2019. We will continue to provide regular updates as our investigation continues and we receive more information—please reach out to my Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-441-2555 or email scams@attorneygeneral.gov if you need help.”

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