College in the age of COVID

A screenshot of a Zoom conversation the Justice High School Scholarship Fund hosted for the JHS Scholars from the Class of 2020.

By Jean King

COVID-19’s impact on the Justice High School class of 2020 was almost immediate: The play was canceled a week before its premiere, sports did not get past the first round of scrimmages, spring concerts were canceled, and the Science Olympiad team’s bid for the state title ended. 

Soon, traditional rites of passage for seniors were also upended. There was no prom, and there were online, virtual convocation and graduation ceremonies.  

As fall approached, the pandemic’s impact on our JHS Scholars became even more apparent. Numerous articles chronicle the struggle of colleges and universities to provide the educational experience students expect (and pay for) while having to limit access to on-campus housing, cut work-study, and incur additional expenses to support online learning. 

Even more clear: The economic fallout resulting from the pandemic disproportionately impacts low-income families like those the JHS Scholarship Fund (JHSSF) helps.

Meanwhile, JHS Scholars are adapting and navigating these unprecedented times. For some, like Zulma, the impact was felt quickly. Her parents’ employment situation took a hard hit, and suddenly they could no longer meet the family contribution required by her school in her financial aid package. 

A number of students have rethought their college choices, switching from a four-year residential college to begin their studies at a community college and live at home. 

Other scholars, like Duaa, have deferred going to school for the first semester because they do not believe online learning is effective for them. Ivette, who is paying her own way through Northern Virginia Community College, has elected to attend school part-time.  

As the pandemic persists, students and colleges continue to struggle. This makes the financial support provided by the JHSSF even more important. 

The fund also provides much needed flexibility. If a student is unable to attend school for a semester or a year, their JHSSF scholarship remains available for up to five semesters or more if needed. 

Importantly, our awards follow the student, not the school. As long as the student continues to demonstrate need, the JHSSF award is available even if they change schools. Our multiyear scholarships are particularly important in turbulent economic times, offering students the means and confidence to continue their studies. 

Flash forward: It’s now 2021 and a new senior class has entered their second semester. Already, some students have received college acceptances and are weighing their options. Still more eagerly await word from college and the critical details contained in their financial award packages. 

This new crop of college hopefuls also wonders what college will look like for them in the fall and how the state of the world will impact their college dreams.

The pandemic has created great instability around the globe. Yet, our current JHS Scholars have demonstrated resiliency and persistence in their commitment to education. With the continued generosity of our community, the JHSSF will be there to help current JHS Scholars and the Class of 2021, soon to be college bound and still in the age of COVID.

For more information about the Justice High School Scholarship Fund and how you can help, visit its website or contact President James Schroll. And follow JHSSF on Facebook and Twitter.

Jean King is a JHS parent and active contributor to the JHS Scholarship Fund.