Enrollment at US community colleges plummets amid pandemic

PHOENIX — Peniella Irakoze is cold calling a list of 1,001 fellow students who didn’t return to Phoenix College this semester, checking on how they’re managing during the coronavirus pandemic. “So many students aren’t coming back.” Nationwide, enrollment at community colleges — which offer two-year degrees and vocational training and often attract older students looking to learn new skills — dropped 10% from fall 2019 to fall 2020, according to the National Student Clearinghouse. “Trying to navigate that and take classes is a very daunting challenge at this time.” Depression and anxiety also disrupted the academic careers of community college students, including Stephanie Cruz Vazquez. At a Senate hearing this month, Miguel Cardona, President Joe Biden’s pick for education secretary, called for federal financial support to help hurting community colleges, calling them “this nation’s best-kept secret.” Even in good economic times, many community college students struggle to stay in school while juggling the demands of supporting families, paying rent and covering tuition. According to the National Student Clearinghouse, the community colleges enrollment decrease was most pronounced among Black students and Native Americans, groups that both experienced 13% declines over the last year.