Here are three reports to check out this month.

1. Eight of 10 Americans (79%) say community colleges are worth the cost — the most support among any higher education sector, according to an annual survey by New America. Eighty-three percent of survey participants said they strongly/somewhat agree that public community colleges contribute to a strong U.S. workforce —the highest approval for any higher education sector — followed by four-year public institutions with 78%. For-profits had the lowest rating, with 61% participating giving them good marks. Americans also are positive about spending more taxpayer dollars on higher education. Overall, 76% agree with spending taxpayer dollars on community colleges, 64% on public four-year institutions and 61% on MSIs.
2. Community colleges can play a key role in helping adult learners of color prepare for jobs — especially as the economy revs up — but it will require a keen eye in designing, implementing and marketing programs and services that appeal to them, says a report by the Community College Research Center (CCRC). The report, commissioned by Lumina Foundation, looks at three areas where community colleges can improve their structures and programs: aligning short-term credentials with degree programs; improving the design and delivery of advising and other support services; and creating culturally sustaining instruction and supports.
3. The pandemic led many adults to change their education plans, according to a new report by the Strada Education Network. To date, more than one-third of adults have had to change or cancel their education plans due to the pandemic, based on a survey Strada conducted from February to April. The changes are more pronounced among younger adult learners and people of color. Among adults who said their education plans were altered because of Covid — dubbed “pandemic-disrupted learners” — two-fifths (41%) have canceled their plans altogether, 37% delayed enrollment and 27% reduced their course load or training.