Students return to North County
It’s back-to-school season, and North County, as well as the entire San Diego region, is welcoming back thousands of college students to California State
University San Marcos (CSUSM), MiraCosta College, and other San Diego local institutions. Their return means not just the start of a new academic year but also an infusion of energy, activity, and economic opportunity for the community.
Economic Impact of Students Returning
Each semester, the arrival of students creates ripple effects well beyond campus. Increased demand for housing, transportation, dining, entertainment, and retail generates measurable economic benefits. In Carlsbad, this activity supports both local businesses and the broader community by driving up spending, boosting our local sales tax revenue, and opening opportunities for continued economic growth.
For Carlsbad’s small businesses, this seasonal shift can mean more people walking through the Village and commercial districts citywide. Increased foot traffic often translates into stronger sales for local shops, restaurants, fitness studios, and general service providers, right as the busy summer season is coming to an end. This added customer base helps sustain small businesses while reinforcing Carlsbad’s reputation as a dynamic and welcoming place to live, work, and play.
The Value of Internships
But beyond the impact on our retailers and restaurants, students bring the potential for a much larger impact. College years are a critical time for career exploration, and internships often serve as a launching point for long-term success. For students, an internship provides hands-on learning through valuable industry exposure. For businesses, offering an internship can be a powerful way to develop new talent and build lasting relationships with future professionals to retain these students within our community before or after their graduation. After all, more than 80% of CSUSM grads stay in the region; an internship provides them with a preview of a career right here in Carlsbad and North County.
By creating internship opportunities, businesses tap into the knowledge, perspective, and skills of motivated individuals eager to gain experience. And our local higher education institutions continue to adapt their curricula to an ever-changing world, offering programs designed to prepare students for the industries of tomorrow. From advancements in engineering, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology to programs in sustainable energy, environmental sciences, and healthcare innovation, these institutions are equipping students with skills that align with evolving economic and societal needs. For local businesses, this means access to highly trained, forward-looking students who bring fresh perspectives and technical expertise into their workplaces.
Connecting Education and Business
For some businesses, having direct connectivity to the research engines of our academic institutions helps them continue to innovate and scale. Our region’s colleges and universities provide a wealth of talent that businesses can leverage through collaboration, internships, and general engagement opportunities. As of last year, San Diego has two top-tier, R1 research institutions in UC San Diego and San Diego State University. The innovation that comes from these universities and their students leads to new company formations, as well as joint development of technologies and products. Both have established programs for businesses to partner on campus.
Get Connected
If your business is interested in becoming involved in the region’s growing talent pipeline, the City of Carlsbad’s Economic Development Department is here to help. We can connect you with local partners to explore internship opportunities and other talent programs, as well as help identify ways to benefit from the knowledge and enthusiasm students bring to the community.
Carlsbad thrives when education and business work together. By embracing the return of students, supporting internship programs, and engaging with local colleges, businesses can strengthen their operations while contributing to the success of the next generation.
For more information about talent development opportunities or to connect with the Small Business Liaison, reach out at [email protected].