BEL Commission

The vision of the Business Experiential-Learning (BEL) Commission is to integrate experiential learning opportunities into Colorado's talent development network. 
 

BEL Commission Guiding Objectives 2022-2024

Improve processes, remove barriers & develop training

• Year 1: Simplify process for employers to engage in work-based learning (WBL)
  • Map opportunities for employers to get started offering WBL
  • Secure funds to define a statewide WBL support model
  • Promote engagement opportunities tied to Governors Apprenticeship Executive Order 

Assess value and improve data collection

• Year 1: Define quality standards for the WBL Continuum and assess availability of quality programs
  • Develop and publish quality standards across the continuum
  • Identify what data exists and is publicly available to assess quality Identify gaps in data 

Communicate & Engage

• Year 1: Develop clear messaging and case studies
  • Develop key messages to speak to the broader Economic Development for the community
  • Capture anecdotes & stories from those who chose alternate pathways.
  • Highlight earning potential of careers straight out of high school vs. college
  • Provide case studies, testimonials & lessons learned from participation

BEL Commission Members

BEL Commissioners are appointed by the Governor to serve an initial term of 2-3 years. Subsequent terms are two years long.

Noel David Ginsburg, Chair. Founder and CEO, CareerWise Colorado

Joe Barela. Executive Director, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment

Angie Paccione, Ph.D. Executive Director, Colorado Department of Higher Education

Katy Anthes, Ph.D. Commissioner of Education, Colorado Department of Education

Eve Lieberman, Office of Economic Development and International Trade

Lee Wheeler-Berliner. Managing Director, Colorado Workforce Development Council

Joe Garcia. Chancellor, Colorado Community College System

Alex Marrero, Ed.D. Superintendent, Denver Public Schools

Dharam Patel. Principal, The Patel Group LLC

Helen Young Hayes. Founder/CEO, Activate Workforce Solutions

Gerald Arnold. Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer, Denver Pipefitters Local #208

Gregory Meyers. Managing Director, Global Executive Hiring, Brillio

Karen Perham-Lippman. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Director, Jensen Hughes

Ken Haptonstall. Executive Director, Colorado River BOCES

Yvonne Myers. Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

Michael Truitt. President, Carbon Neutral Group

Lawrence Wagner. CEO & Founder, Spark Mindset

BEL Committees

The BEL Commission has two committees comprised of BEL Commission members and representatives from other organizations.
 
Advocacy Committee:
The advocacy committee drafts and signs off on briefing statements for state and federal bills and policy relevant to the BEL Commission. 

Marketing Committee:
The marketing committee advises on the development of a strategic communications plan that builds awareness, adoption, and support for the experiential learning system. 

Executive Orders

B 2018-012 Amending Executive Order B 2016-001 Regarding the Business Experiential Learning Commission
B 2016-001 Amending Executive Order B 2015-004 Regarding the Business Experiential Learning Commission
B 2015-004 Creating the Business Experiential Learning Commission

Executive Order to appoint members - June 2022
Executive Order to appoint members - September 2021
Executive Order to appoint members - November 2020
Executive Order to reappoint members - June 2020

Meeting Dates & Materials 

June 6, 2023

Agenda
Draft Minutes

April 4, 2023

Agenda
Minutes

February 7, 2023

Agenda
Minutes

December 6, 2022

Agenda
Minutes

October 4, 2022

Agenda
Minutes

August 2, 2022

Agenda
Minutes

June 7, 2022

Agenda
Minutes

December 7, 2021

Agenda
Draft Minutes

October 5, 2021

Agenda
Draft Minutes

August 3, 2021

Agenda
Meeting Slides
Draft Minutes

June 8, 2021

Agenda
Draft Minutes
Meeting Slides

April 6, 2021

Agenda
Minutes
Meeting Slides

February 2, 2021

Agenda
Minutes
Meeting Slides

December 1, 2020

Agenda
Meeting Minutes
Meeting Slides

October 6, 2020

Agenda
Meeting Minutes
Meeting Slides

August 4, 2020

Agenda
Minutes
Meeting Slides

June 2, 2020

Agenda
Minutes
Meeting Slides
Colorado Dual Education System

April 7, 2020

Agenda
Meeting Slides
Minutes

February 4, 2020

Agenda
New CDLE WBL Unit Manager
Minutes

To access meeting materials and executive orders prior to February 2020, please contact cwdc@state.co.us