The COVID-19 pandemic marked what many called “The Lost Year” of 2020, but for Generation Z, its effects stretched far beyond that label. Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z includes students from upper elementary through college, many of whom were navigating school transitions or entering the workforce during the pandemic’s upheaval. On top of the public health crisis, this generation faced political unrest, economic strains, and widespread uncertainty at pivotal points in their development. The compounding challenges made their experiences uniquely unsettling compared to older generations.

For Gen Z students, disruptions ran deep across education, social life, and family stability. Many endured isolation, heightened anxiety, and a mistrust of others fueled by social and political division. Minority students bore disproportionate impacts, as communities of color and lower-income families faced higher risks of economic instability, health inequities, and limited access to support. At the same time, Gen Z represents the most diverse U.S. generation to date—nearly half identify as racial or ethnic minorities, while a significant portion identify as LGBTQ+ or nonbinary. This intersection of diversity and vulnerability meant the pandemic amplified inequities already present in society.

On March 25, 2026, PVCC will host a Deliberative Dialogue on Approaches for Gen Z Students to Cope with Mental Stress to discuss these issues. During this Deliberative Dialogue, we will look at four options for addressing student mental health, each reflecting a different view of the problem. Most people will find something to agree with in all of the approaches, but each also has trade-offs, risks, or drawbacks that need to be taken into account and worked through. 

In thinking about different approaches, we will consider these questions:

• Building friendship bonds and expanding cultural and social opportunities
• Expanding college leadership to support and assist Gen Z students
• Closing the pandemic learning gap, and investing in academic excellence
• Seeking government assistance at national, state, and local levels

Deliberative Dialogue attendees will engage in discussions on the four options within small groups, guided by a trained facilitator. After considering each option equally, the small groups will reconvene for a collective discussion. The event is expected to last approximately one and half hours.

Prepare yourself for a meaningful conversation on a crucial topic! By participating, you will gain fresh insights into dealing with mental stress and hone your ability to navigate discussions on challenging issues! And year after year, students have asked for safe spaces to have these conversations. Come be a part of that experience!