Reskilling for the Pandemic Recession and Recovery focuses on the U.S. economic downturn since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a disproportionate impact on Black and Hispanic individuals, women, and people without a postsecondary degree. Considering these challenges, the brief details policy proposals for large-scale workforce development initiatives and strategies that community colleges can implement to support unemployed and adult learners.
The report also highlights examples of community colleges’ responses to the pandemic, including the Michigan Futures for Frontliners scholarship program for essential workers, and healthcare training at Kirkwood Community College in Iowa to meet increased demand in this sector.