Across the United States, hundreds of colleges and universities are preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Their students become cybersecurity analysts, researchers, AI-enabled cyber defenders, and technology leaders who help protect businesses, communities, and national security. But how do we measure the collective impact of these efforts?

A new national coalition is setting out to answer that question.

Led by Coastline College in California, seven higher education institutions have joined forces to establish the Economic Assessment National Center (EANC) and six Regional Hubs. Together, they will work to better understand and demonstrate the workforce, economic, and mission impact of the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) community.

UCCS has been chosen to lead the West Hub for the movement.

“Cybersecurity is a cornerstone of UCCS’s academic programs, and we are committed to bringing together partners from across Colorado and the Western United States to advance the field and do this important work,” said UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet. “Technology is constantly evolving, so it is critical that we have concrete data to help determine the focus of UCCS academic programs and how they support the workforce needs of government and industry.”

The initiative is supported by an approximately $1.5 million, two-year award through the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program within the National Security Agency.

Making Cybersecurity’s Impact Visible

The NCAE-C community includes hundreds of institutions committed to advancing cybersecurity education and developing the nation’s cyber workforce. While these institutions contribute to workforce preparation, research, industry partnerships, and community engagement, their collective impact can be difficult to capture and communicate.

EANC is bringing that impact into focus.

By bringing together institutions and information from across the country, EANC will develop a shared approach to measuring workforce outcomes, economic contributions, and return on investment. The initiative will examine how cybersecurity and AI-enabled cybersecurity education translate into workforce readiness and contribute to broader national cybersecurity priorities.

“Hundreds of colleges and universities are working every day to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity workforce,” said Tobi West, PhD, Principal Investigator for EANC at Coastline College. “EANC gives us an opportunity to bring those efforts together, better understand their impact, and tell a more complete story about the value of cybersecurity education across the country.”

A National Effort with Regional Connections

Although EANC is coordinated nationally, its strength comes from collaboration across six Regional Hubs, each led by an institution with established cybersecurity expertise and connections to its regional community.

The participating institutions are:

• National Lead: Coastline College, Garden Grove, California, led by Tobi West
• West Hub: University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, Colorado, led by Gretchen Bliss
• Midwest Hub: Metropolitan State University, St. Paul, Minnesota, led by Faisal Kaleem
• Northeast Hub: University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York, led by Sanjay Goel
• Mid-Atlantic Hub: Kean University, Union, New Jersey, led by Stanley Mierzwa
• Southeast Hub: George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, led by Massimiliano Albanese
• South Hub: University of West Florida, Pensacola, Florida, led by Eman El-Sheikh

These Regional Hubs will connect with CAE-designated institutions throughout their geographic areas, facilitate collaboration, gather regional perspectives, and support the development of a consistent national measurement framework.

“The regional hubs bring the national mission closer to the institutions and communities doing the work,” said Gretchen Bliss, West Regional Hub Lead at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. “By connecting institutions across our regions, we can share experiences, strengthen collaboration, and help ensure that the national picture reflects the diverse contributions of the entire CAE community.”

Regional Hubs will host quarterly meetings to strengthen collaboration among CAE institutions and designation ceremonies to celebrate institutions that achieve or renew their National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity designation.

Turning Data into Meaningful Impact

A central component of EANC will be the development of a Performance Measurement Framework that brings together information on cybersecurity education, graduates, industry certifications, workforce pathways, and economic outcomes.

EANC will work to minimize additional reporting burdens by making better use of existing information, establishing consistent measures, and developing tools that make results easier to understand and communicate.

The initiative will work toward national reporting and data dashboards that help institutions, regional partners, and federal stakeholders better understand cybersecurity workforce development and the broader value of the NCAE-C program.

EANC will measure return on investment while also exploring the broader return on mission: how cybersecurity education contributes to workforce readiness, institutional capacity, and national cybersecurity priorities.

EANC is designed to complement existing NCAE-C National Centers and Communities of Practice, connecting their work through a shared approach to understanding and communicating impact.

Ultimately, the goal is straightforward: Make the contributions of the NCAE-C community more visible, measurable, and meaningful.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – On November 12, the UCCS College of Business (COB) will celebrate the launch of COB Academy, a new professional learning platform and custom executive education program designed to help individuals build practical business skills, explore emerging topics, and advance their personal and professional business goals.
 

Hosted by the UCCS College of Business, COB Academy offers flexible online and in-person learning opportunities for working professionals, alumni, employers, and community members. The platform delivers accessible, workforce-focused education that helps learners stay current in a rapidly changing business environment.

The COB Academy Launch event will give attendees an opportunity to learn about the Academy's vision, meet university and community partners, and explore how lifelong learning can support career growth and organizational success.
 

"COB Academy reflects the College of Business's commitment to serving learners at every stage of their careers," said Dr. Bri Newland, Interim Dean of the UCCS College of Business. "Whether someone is looking to expand their skills, explore new opportunities, or stay ahead of industry trends, COB Academy provides flexible pathways for continued growth."
 

Course offerings span topics such as leadership, artificial intelligence, data analytics, project management, marketing, accounting, and other areas relevant to today's workforce.
 

Community members, business leaders, alumni and prospective learners are invited to attend the launch event, participate in a roundtable discussion on workforce needs and emerging skill gaps, and explore opportunities through COB Academy. The event will also include networking, with complimentary appetizers and drinks provided throughout the evening. To learn more and RSVP, visit the event registration page.

About the UCCS College of Business

The UCCS College of Business is an AACSB-accredited business school dedicated to developing principled leaders, advancing knowledge through research, and serving the economic needs of Colorado Springs and beyond. Through innovative degree programs, professional development opportunities, and community partnerships, the college prepares learners at every stage of their careers for success in a dynamic global economy.

Jenkins Middle School to Dedicate Veterans Memorial Created Through Former Student’s Eagle Scout Project

Community invited to honor military service members with a dedication, veterans reception, and school assembly

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Jenkins Middle School will bring students, veterans, military families, and community members together on Wednesday, November 11 to dedicate a memorial bench and commemorative rocks honoring veterans and military service members. The event is open to the public.

The memorial is the Eagle Scout project of Amelia Horn, a former Jenkins student. Approximately 10 volunteers helped bring the project to life, creating a lasting tribute at the school she once attended.

The dedication will begin at 2:15 p.m. with veterans and Jenkins’s Purple Star students participating. A small reception for veterans will follow at 2:30 p.m., and an assembly bringing students, staff, and guests together will begin at 2:45 p.m. Veterans and military families will be recognized during the celebration.

As a designated Purple Star School, Jenkins Middle School supports military-connected students and their families through the academic and social-emotional challenges that can accompany military life. The memorial dedication reflects that commitment by bringing the school community together to honor service members and recognize the families who serve alongside them.

The project connects a former student’s service to the military families within the Jenkins community. Through the memorial and dedication, the school will offer a place to recognize those who have served and an opportunity for students to express their appreciation.

Veterans, military families, Jenkins alumni, and community members are invited to attend and join the school in honoring military service.

Event location: Jenkins Middle School, 6410 Austin Bluffs Pkwy

Dedication Ceremony: Outside the front of the building with Purple Star students at 2:15 PM

Reception for United States Veterans & Active Duty Military: Media Center @ 2:30 PM

Assembly: Gymnasium @ 2:45 PM