The COVID-19 pandemic has hit Black and Latino people harder than other populations, both physically and economically. And with lost income and health concerns, many students of color have not re-enrolled in college this fall.

Southwestern University in Georgetown is trying to reverse this trend. That includes helping students like Alex Bell cover unexpected expenses and other bills so they can continue their education.

Community colleges serve diverse populations that include high school students in dual-enrollment courses, senior citizens, working adults, and traditional-age students. Building community among these varied groups of people in the age of COVID-19 can be a daunting task.

Against this backdrop, some two-year colleges are finding innovative ways to maintain or increase student engagement. At Northern Virginia Community College, for instance, students can enter a virtual lobby on Zoom that connects them with advisers, who then connect them with the services they need.