Aggregate data from a survey of Fallen Patriots scholar community

April 23, 2020

 

Overview

In mid-April 2020, Children of Fallen Patriots partnered with ScoutComms and its research division ScoutInsight, to conduct a survey of its scholar community to assess the financial, educational, and mental health impacts of COVID-19 on its students. Children of Fallen Patriots contacted 1932 current students, parents of enrolled students, and former students, and collected 464 unique responses. 

The survey included ten questions related to financial impact, employment impact, impact on graduation plans and celebrations, as well as impact on career development.

 

Key Findings

Mental Health Impact

A majority of respondents reported that the increase in social isolation due to COVID-19 has had an effect on their mental health, including feelings of stress, anxiety, loneliness, or other challenges. Of those experiencing a negative effect, 21.1% reported a major effect on their mental health, and 44.2% reported a moderate effect. 

  

Financial Hardship

69.9% of respondents reported that their or their child’s school has not offered relief (such as refunds) on tuition, room and board and other costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, 40.2% of respondents reported that they or their child have experienced additional or unforeseen expenses (such as travel, moving, loss of on-campus dining and housing) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 


Income Disruptions

46.18% of respondents reported they have lost their full-time or part-time job due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Additionally, 57% of respondents reported that they likely will experience income disruptions (such as reduced work hours, furloughed, unemployment) as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of those respondents, 30.3% said it was extremely likely they will experience an income disruption. 

 

Loss of Career Development Opportunities

41.39% of respondents report that it is extremely likely that the COVID-19 pandemic will cause them or their child to lose career development opportunities like networking, symposiums, career fairs and internships, while 27.45% report it is somewhat likely.  


Graduation Delays 

41.15% of respondents reported that it is either somewhat or extremely likely that they will experience a delay in graduation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the respondents, 15.6% reported a graduation delay is extremely likely. 

Additionally, 66.18% of respondents reported an interest in participating in an online graduation ceremony with their peers. 

 

Children of Fallen Patriots’ Response

 Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to provide college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. Fallen Patriots will continue to conduct thorough inquiries of impacted CFP students and their families in order to create a better understanding of what the current COVID-19 pandemic is having on their education plans, mental health, as well as their career pursuits.These findings will help inform future surveys as well as programmatic efforts and growth strategies on behalf of Fallen Patriots. 


How to Help

As Children of Fallen Patriots monitors the impact of the current situation on all our students and navigate the uncertain times that lie ahead, the donor community is encouraged to support the mission of providing college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who lost a parent in the line of duty. While children of the fallen are recognized for their enduring strength and resiliency, sadly the current crisis is forcing them to overcome even more roadblocks in their lives. 

Survey results show that many CFP students have lost jobs, been displaced from their dorms, and some graduating seniors likely will not get to experience their once-in-a-lifetime graduation ceremony. Many are confronted with the stress that comes with prolonged self-isolation and not knowing what the future holds for them. From books to tuition, contributions of all sizes are appreciated now more than ever. To learn more about Children of Fallen Patriots and provide support, visit www.FallenPatriots.org.