The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound and disparate impact on the lives of millions of people. In Los Angeles County, college campuses remained closed for more than a full academic year. Workers and learners juggled academic demands with the need to work for an income. As the pandemic persisted and colleges across the country continued to modify their reopening plans, the researchers of this study recognized the urgency of investigating the possible effects the crisis may have on workers’ and learners’ academic and job experiences. This study builds on existing knowledge concerning workers and learners by documenting how their education, employment, and life experiences inform their concerns and expectations for the return to campus and work. Developed by the 2021 Labor Summer Research Program student research teams, the research is based on 128 surveys and 29 interviews collected from Los Angeles public colleges and universities students in August 2021.

The study found that nearly all students agreed that flexibility in deadlines, office hours, and attendance should remain as they return to campus. They also wanted to see the practice of recorded class lectures continue. While schedule flexibility helped some students balance school and work, many were still forced to prioritize either school or work. Most students reported that their campus had a vaccine requirement and mask mandate—preventive measures that they were overall in favor of. In contrast, workers and learners reported that their workplaces had fewer safety requirements. Further, workers and learners faced barriers to financial stability and well-being. Returning to normal after a global pandemic will be a process filled with challenges, and report authors provide specific recommendations for improving conditions in the report.