The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2026-04-28; Economic Development Subcommittee; 02; North County Educational TrendsMeeting Date: April 28, 2026 To: Economic Development Subcommittee From: Tess Sangster, Economic Development Director Rachel Maltz, Senior Program Manager & Small Business Liaison Staff Contact: Rachel Maltz, Senior Program Manager & Small Business Liaison rachel.maltz@carlsbadca.gov, 442-977-5702 Subject: North County Educational Trends Recommended Action Receive an informational report from North County educators at California State University, San Marcos and MiraCosta College regarding economic trends for North County in 2026, discuss and provide feedback. Executive Summary California State University, San Marcos and MiraCosta College will provide an update on educational trends that impact North County in 2026. Explanation and Analysis Understanding and anticipating trends in the North County education landscape is essential for effective economic development planning and long-term competitiveness. A highly educated and adaptable workforce is one of our region’s greatest assets, directly supporting business attraction, retention, and expansion. By staying informed on shifts in education, training programs, and workforce pipelines, staff can proactively align resources, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that our talent base continues to meet the evolving needs of employers—particularly in high-growth, innovation-driven industries. The North County education ecosystem plays a critical role in sustaining our regional economy and supporting key sectors such as life sciences, clean technology, advanced manufacturing, and technology. Local colleges, universities, and training institutions are not only preparing students for in-demand careers, but also collaborating with industry to develop specialized programs that reflect current and future workforce needs. Recognizing that Carlsbad’s economy is interconnected with the broader North County region, understanding this landscape allows us to identify opportunities to better connect talent with employers, support career pathways, and reinforce the region’s reputation as a hub for innovation and skilled labor. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE April 28, 2026 Item #2 Page 1 of 2 This item will provide an overview of the North County education landscape, including key trends, program offerings, and emerging opportunities to strengthen the talent pipeline in 2026 and beyond. Insights shared will help inform economic development strategies, workforce initiatives, and partnerships with educational institutions. By maintaining a strong focus on education and talent development, we can ensure that Carlsbad continues to support its innovative companies while fostering a resilient, future-ready workforce. Fiscal Analysis This action has no financial impact. Next Steps Staff will continue to engage with our North County educators to evaluate our workforce, education and talent trends that have an impact on Carlsbad and the surrounding region. Exhibits None April 28, 2026 Item #2 Page 2 of 2 CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY SAN MARCOS Economic Development Subcommittee City of Carlsbad Our Mission is Student Success Founded in 1989 as the 20th campus in the CSU system, CSUSM is a forward-focused institution, dedicated to student success fueled by innovation, education and community partnerships. Total Students 17,000+ Graduates stay in the region to live and work 8 of 10 72,000+ Total Alumni Our Student Demographics Are first in their family to earn a college degree 54% Are students of color 71% Are military- affiliated 1 in 9 Are 23 years or older 35% CSUSM Enrollment Stateside Headcount and Resident FTES National Leader for Advancing Students’ Social Mobility •#1 in 2025 CollegeNET Social Mobility Index •Tier 1 in 2024 Third Way’s Economic Mobility Index •#15 in Four-Year California Mobility Index •#27 in Washington Monthly’s “Best Bang for the Buck - West” Social Mobility Leadership •Annual National Social Mobility Symposium •Social Mobility Roundtable in Washington, D.C. •CSU National Center for Social Mobility at CSUSM STRATEGIC PLAN: THE POWER OF US, THE POWER OF CSUSM GOAL 1: ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE GOAL 2: STUDENT SUCCESS GOAL 3: INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE GOAL 4: CULTURE OF CARE GOAL 5: COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS GOAL 5: DISTINCTIVE IDENTITY & REPUTATION Cougar Success Student Life Cycle Pre-College Deepened Engagement Engaged Community Participant! Pre-College Access & Support & Transition to CSUSM Onboarding Opportunities to provide supportive community and targeted resources, such as EOP, CAMP, ACE, UJAMAA, APIDA Cohort & Bridge Programs SWIFT Cohort, Concurrent Enrollment for Community College Students (Nursing), 2+2 Programs (Software Engineering, Business) Dual Enrollment/Transfer MOUs with 24+ school districts, tribal governments and schools, and county agencies to improve college attendance. The Alliance SWIFT – Scholars in Wellness & Innovation Fast Track •Dual Enrollment with Local High Schools •Accelerated Degree •Embedded Certificates •Paid Internships •Leverage HCAI (California Department of Health Care Access and Information Student Success & Retention Providing programs and resources to help students succeed to graduation day. Student Success Coaching Counseling & Advising Tutoring & Academic Support Career Counseling Engaged Learning & Mentorship Providing hands-on learning opportunities in partnership with industry and community organizations to prepare students for post-graduation career success. •Summer Scholars •Infinity Lab & Innovation Hub •COBA Senior Experience •Service Learning Inclusive Excellence •MOU with Coalition on Black and African American Education •Student Centers for Belonging & Inclusion (the newest being APIDA & American Indian) •CSUSM-HBCU Exchange Program •Accelerating Inclusive Excellence – DEI Inventory Project •Policy Review Committee 12 Years in a Row: HEED Award 2024 Seal of Excelencia 50+% HSI Status Military Affiliated & Veteran Students •The Epstein Family Veterans Center •Military Advisory Council •Veteran Entrepreneurship Program •Veterans to Naval Careers •Veteran to BSN Pathway in CSU for Highest Percent of Student Veterans Per Capita#1 #2 “Best for Vets” in California by Military Times New Construction Projects STUDENT WELLNESS & RECREATION CENTER, FALL 2027 HUNTER HALL OF SCIENCE & ENGINEERING, FALL 2027 Affordable Student Housing BLACK OAK HALL – 555 BEDS, OPENING FALL 2026 KWÍILA DINING – 10,000 SQ.FT. DINING HALL CSUSM’s Economic Impact on California 7,900 Jobs Annually $923.6M Industry Activity $361.5M Wages Earned $69.2M State & Local Tax Revenue Return on Investment For every dollar the state invests in the campus, $18.50 in statewide Industry Activity is generated When enhanced alumni earnings are included, $64.62 in statewide Industry Activity is generated The Next 30 Years… Entrepreneurship & Innovation End-User Focused Experiences Model of Social Mobility & University of Place Engaged Alumni & Community College Affordability Serving 31,000+local students, working adults, and military veterans ●Green Jobs contribute to preserving or restoring environmental quality ●Blue Jobs involve sustainable ocean-and water- based activities ●46 occupations with family-sustaining wages ●7,500+ job openings through 2029 Training Our Local Workforce ●Prepares students for in-demand careers with family-sustaining wages ●Strengthens local economy and meets essential community needs o Nurses and healthcare professionals caring for our sick and elderly family o Teachers who educate our kids o Skilled workers who fuel our innovative, powerhouse economy $648M generated in added annual income for the local economy = 0.5% total regional economic output 6,800 jobs created by MiraCosta College alumni, students, construction, and operations Measure MM Thank you! Questions?