COVID Effect

Future Link students were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and experienced challenges, including job and income loss, remote learning, and declining mental health. The Seminar and other services were adapted to virtual learning. Future Link’s goals shifted to provide deeper support in educational persistence, job attainment to replace lost wages, emergency support, and community and network-building virtual events. The number of volunteers doubled as COVID continued. Packaged pre-existing Phase II services into a formal Career Coaching Program to help students receive workforce training, develop their professional toolbox, and attain internships and jobs.