Throughout the past, present, and future sections of the survey results, we observed that students reported on how access to resources or lack thereof (owed to marginalization or systemic discrimination) has impacted their lives and the lives of communities they support. 

For some respondents limitations on access to resources shaped and gave rise to their resiliency: 

• We found that 17% of students that had experienced a strain on resources earlier in life reported that that experience gave rise to their resilience.    

Also, we found that access to social resources acted as a buttress in influencing past resiliency and, later, students incorporated those learnings into resiliency factors they continue to use during the pandemic and into the future.  

• 38% of students reported relying on others/community when asked to respond to what they learned about their resilience. 
• 76% of students reported support from family & friends when asked what resiliency factors that they will continue to use and grow from during the pandemic and into the future.     

Moreover, we observed that access to resources within the physical environment continues to shape students’ present-day experience.  

• 51% of students responded that access to private outdoor space was a challenge. 
• 38% of students reported that availability of their own, quiet space to do work at home was a challenge.  

Though we didn’t directly ask students how access to a private outdoor space or a quiet space to-do work impacts their mental health or academic responsibilities, the responses to those questions may be indicative of a connection between both sets of data and a need for more resources:  

• 64% indicated that Academic responsibilities and requirements are a challenge. 
• 38% indicated that mental health is a challenge. 

However, lack of access to resources for communities continues to be a reality shaping students’ outlook, social work practice, and future relationships with institutions. Students reported that not all communities are experiencing the pandemic equally, and a theme emerged regarding the inequitable distribution of resources.  

• “How do you foresee the pandemic contributing to your work in the future?” 10% of students reported that the pandemic had led to an awakening of inequalities and a hope for change.

One student responded, “Not enough resources to communities that need them.” 

• “How does this impact your outlook for the future of the social work profession and our communities?” 19% of students responded that systems were exposed through the pandemic.

One student responded, “The social structures were shaken to their core and now the greatest need is those communities and people the most underserved.”

Students also documented concerns over agency funding, which could further exacerbate access to resources such as jobs for social workers.  All of this could occur at a time when there are an increased demand and need for the social work profession to provide resources to communities.   

• The concern over agencies cutting costs or lack of funding appeared at least once in each of the qualitative questions focused on the future.  
• 32% of students reported anxiety around the job market. 
• 27% of students reported increased need/demand for social workers.