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College & Workforce Readiness Collection

Where Are They Now? COVID-19 and the Class of 2020

A worsening economy, a surging pandemic, and school disruptions created new hurdles on the road to college for the members of the Class of 2020 who could least afford it.

Magdalena Estiverne graduated from high school this past spring during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is currently taking online community college classes.
Magdalena Estiverne graduated from high school this past spring during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is currently taking online community college classes.
Eve Edelheit for Education Week
College & Workforce Readiness From Our Research Center COVID-19's Disproportionate Toll on Class of 2020 Graduates
The pandemic hit college-bound members of the class of 2020 from low-income homes much harder than it did their better-off peers, our survey found.
Alex Harwin, October 20, 2020
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6 min read
Magdalena Estiverne graduated from Evans High School in Orlando, Fla., this past spring during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Magdalena Estiverne graduated from Evans High School in Orlando, Fla., this past spring during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eve Edelheit for Education Week
College & Workforce Readiness Coping With Disruption at School and at Home
A 2020 high school graduate struggles to continue her education despite a disrupted senior year, a move to a new home, and spotty internet access.
Alex Harwin, October 20, 2020
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3 min read
Liz Ogolo, 18, who is attending Harvard University this fall, said the transition to college was difficult without guidance from her high school, which switched to remote learning in the spring.
Liz Ogolo, 18, who is attending Harvard University this fall, said the transition to college was difficult without guidance from her high school, which switched to remote learning in the spring.
Angela Rowlings for Education Week
College & Workforce Readiness Conflicting Messages Exacerbate Student Detours on the Road to College
Amid the many disruptions of the COVID-19 era, it’s more important than ever for educators to be consistent about the admissions requirements—and the costs—of college.
Sarah D. Sparks, October 20, 2020
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7 min read
Liz Ogolo made the decision to attend Harvard University this fall after consideration of how isolation from her community might affect her.
Liz Ogolo made the decision to attend Harvard University this fall after consideration of how isolation from her community might affect her.
Angela Rowlings for Education Week
College & Workforce Readiness Weighing College in a Pandemic: Opening Decision Letters Alone in the Dark
A sense of isolation characterized the college decision-making process this year for a Houston high school valedictorian.
Sarah D. Sparks, October 20, 2020
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4 min read
College & Workforce Readiness Download Steps to Keep College-Bound Students on Track
This downloadable guide highlights strategies schools can use to help support students from low-income families on their path to graduation.
October 20, 2020

View the 2021 Project

Conceptual photo illustration of a young person looking toward a closing door
Vanessa Solis/Education Week and Getty
College & Workforce Readiness Collection COVID-19 and the Class of 2021
The pandemic has led to a rocky transition for aspiring college students in the Class of 2021, especially if finances are tight.
October 18, 2021

Coverage of the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need is supported in part by a grant from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, at www.jkcf.org. Education Week retains sole editorial control over the content of this coverage.