ABSTRACT
The coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic upended the academic trajectories and opportunities of many community college students in the United States. While four-year universities have seen an uptick in applications in the 2021–2022 academic year, community colleges have experienced a sharp decrease in enrollment, signifying significant challenges to students’ life circumstances. In May 2020, we sampled 116 community college students (M age 23.08;SD = 7.17) attending Hispanic Serving Institutions in California. The online survey gathered: (a) in-depth demographic information, including pandemic-related changes to students’ academic and financial standing, and (b) qualitative data on pandemic-related stress. Given the novelty of the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020, the overarching goal of this study was to conduct a broad needs assessment of community college students’ experiences. Data highlighted significant socio-emotional challenges, financial hardship, and both current and projected academic delays. Community college students described severe challenges across financial, socio-emotional and academic areas. Data that capture first-hand qualitative descriptions of COVID-19 stress are necessary to inform the allocation of critical resources and policies to improve the well-being of community college students. © 2022 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.