Summary of Data
EDUCATION PLANS:
387 respondents (19%) stated they intend to take college courses within the next three years.
Rhode Island saw the least interest in taking courses in the immediate future with less than 10% stating intent.
Connecticut and Vermont led the way each with about 22% of respondents expressing they have plans to take courses. Among those who stated they do
not
plan to take courses, 1 in 4 stated the reason was that they are happy with their current educational level. That same proportion though stated that
affordability
was a hindrance.
PROGRAM OPTIONS AND PROVIDERS:
For those considering continuing education, courses in
business
and
health professions
were most desired at 40% and 32% respectively. Nearly half stated they were considering
programs that are offered online (46%)
. Of those who stated their interest in enrolling in a credential program, respondents
overwhelmingly selected “public college” as the intended provider (82%).
Note: respondents could select all providers they were considering, including private non-profit and for-profit institutions.
IMPACT OF COVID-19:
Respondents were asked a series of COVID-19 related agreement statements covering topics from an increased need for education and training to concern over the future of our economy.
"The spread of coronavirus… has impacted my perception of the need for additional education and training."
- More than half (53%) of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with this statement. Agreement was significantly stronger among the Hispanic/Latino population and those reporting less than $75,000 in household income. Those employed in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry and the Architecture and Construction industry also had disproportionately strong agreement.
- About 1 in 4 respondents stated they were more likely to pursue a bachelor’s degree (including a high number of Hispanic and African American respondents) as a result of the coronavirus and 41% agreed they would be more likely to pursue short term training.
- Over 50% agreed with the idea that they would need additional financial assistance if they were to pursue additional education and training.
“As a result of the coronavirus, I am concerned about the future of our economy.”
- 80% of respondents agreed with this statement. Hispanic/Latino respondents and African Americans, as well as those working in Hospitality and Tourism, Education and Training, and Manufacturing stated that they have significant concerns about the stability of their employment. This agreement was as high as 70% within Hospitality and Tourism.
- About one third of respondents stated that they are now looking to leave the industry in which they are employed, but this share is as high as 40% among the Hispanic/Latino population and 52% for those in architecture and construction.
