Higher education drives business.

• Author: Wartgow, Jerry
• Position: VIEWS from colorado springs

The role and impact of higher education as a key contributor to the economic, social and cultural vitality of Colorado Springs and the surrounding region emerged as a recurring theme throughout the recent Colorado Experience excursion.

From the opening visit to the United States Air Force Academy through the closing luncheon presentation on the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, it was clear that higher education was not only highly valued as an economic engine for the area, but also as an integral player and key partner in strategic planning for all aspects of the area's growth and development.

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The academy offers 32 different majors and includes 14 research centers and two institutes, which comprise one of the largest undergraduate research programs in the nation.

Through these programs the academy contributes directly to academic, commercial and Department of Energy and Department of Defense projects. In addition, with 4,400 cadets on campus, the Academy contributes more than $780 million in total economic impact in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas each year.

Likewise, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs is an...