The coronavirus pandemic has been an extremely disruptive force in students’ lives, and students of color have been disproportionately affected, according to a survey conducted by Global Strategy Group on behalf of The Education Trust-West. The results are from a national and statewide survey on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on college students.
“Real financial insecurity is settling in for many students, particularly students from low-income backgrounds. The damage to students’ mental health from the coronavirus crisis is deep and pervasive. Students are generally supportive of their school’s response to the pandemic, but they identify key areas of improvement moving forward,” according to The Education Trust-West, an advocate organization for educational justice and high academic achievement of all California students.
Other survey findings include that for the last Spring semester:
- 75% of students are concerned about being on track to graduate from their program
- 95% of students have had their classes canceled for the semester
- 85% of students said most, or all of their classes are now being held virtually
Regarding financial insecurity, the survey found:
- 33% of students report skipping a meal or reducing how much they are eating as a result of the pandemic
- 34% of students report their colleges have provided food support, like access to food pantries
- 54% of students are uneasy about their personal finances
- 49% of students think they will be able to afford basic expenses like food, housing, and tuition if the crisis persists
The pandemic is also causing a mental health crisis across California, the survey revealed:
Regarding mental health, the survey found:
- 67% of students report higher stress than usual
- 66% of students say they are concerned about experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues regarding returning to school
- 36% of students say they are concerned about their risk of developing substance abuse or addiction during the pandemic
The survey also asked students about what support they feel they need from their schools moving forward and how disconnected they feel as a result of school closings, amongst other things. For the full report go to http://www.west.edtrust.org