College students suddenly finding more time on their hands with canceled jobs, internships, and trips abroad are flocking to online summer classes at Texas institutions en masse.

And schools, seeing an opportunity to court students stuck at home, are ramping up their summer offerings and discounting tuition.

In a world without COVID-19, Jael Marquez would be a junior walking the halls of Denver's Vista Academy. Instead, Marquez is a 40-hour-a-week worker who supports his family. He's not sure school will ever be a part of his future now. 

The pandemic has forced a growing portion of America's teenagers into full-time roles in essential businesses like food services, where required training is minimal. For many, plans of a post-high school education may become permanently shelved.