AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE STONE ACADEMY HEALTHCARE EDUCATION SUPPORT PROGRAM.

This bill establishes the Stone Academy Healthcare Education Support Program, providing scholarships to former students of Stone Academy's practical nurse education program (enrolled between November 2021 and February 2023) who now pursue healthcare certifications or degrees at accredited institutions. Funded with $10 million from the General Fund, the program covers specific fields like nursing, dental hygiene, medical coding, and emergency medical services, with scholarships awarded on a first-come basis until funds are exhausted or June 30, 2030. The Office of Higher Education must report annually on the program's impact on Connecticut's healthcare workforce starting in 2027. It directly benefits eligible former Stone Academy students seeking to advance their healthcare careers through approved education pathways.