In the series, COVID-19 on Campus, we break down concerns voiced by over 900 college students across the nation through our pandemic survey.
Bottom line
From housing insecurities to fiscal impact, college students have genuine concerns about how COVID-19 is affecting their higher education experience. In this edition, we discuss student’s health concerns as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and how these challenges can be minimized as we adjust to our new ‘normal’.
Understanding student’s health concern
Higher education institutions vary considerably in geographic location, size, and structure. Given these differences, each institution has their own unique challenges as they consider the impact of COVID-19 on their physical campus and the overall safety for their students and faculty.
Kaleidoscope surveyed more than 900 students nationwide to better understand the impact of the pandemic on their health. More than ⅓ of all student responses indicated that they knew someone who has contracted COVID-19.
While the science of the virus is continuously emerging, there is evidence showing that fatality rates are higher among older populations. A recent Pew research poll backs this logic.
Only 6% of people under the age of 30 considered the virus a major threat to their health, but they considered the virus to be a major threat to their financial wellbeing.
The impact of these concerns
Financial concerns can greatly influence one’s mental health, which should not be overlooked. Stress and anxiety caused by financial concern can have negative impacts on an individual’s physical and mental wellbeing. While financial concern is not new for the majority of those enrolled in higher education, the pandemic has heightened these concerns drastically. Supporting scholars has never been more important, given the present financial decline.
While our Pre-Covid ‘normal’ may never return, we must consider how to best adjust to our new way of life. Adequate efforts to recognize and address college students’ mental health challenges should be a priority in order to avoid larger consequences on their overall health and educational pursuits.
How can we help?
Through our strategic work, our goal is to help both the sponsors and scholars navigate the scholarship and grant process. We offer comprehensive solutions for both the students seeking scholarships and grants as well as individuals organizations looking to design, administer and host scholarship and grant programs.
Check back for the next post of the series, COVID-19 on Campus, where we break down the next student concern – housing.
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