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
Eve Lieberman, Office of Economic Development and International Trade
Lee Wheeler-Berliner. Managing Director, Colorado Workforce Development Council
Susana Córdova, Commissioner of Education, Colorado Department of Education
Binh Diep. General Manager, Slalom Consulting
Dharam Patel. Principal, The Patel Group LLC
Don Haddad. Superintendent, St. Vrain Valley School District
Gerald Arnold. Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer, Denver Pipefitters Local #208
Helen Young Hayes. Founder/CEO, Activate Workforce Solutions
Joe Garcia. Chancellor, Colorado Community College System
Karen Perham-Lippman. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Director, Jensen Hughes
Ken Haptonstall. Executive Director, Colorado River BOCES
Karla Nugent, Chief Revenue Officer, Weifield Group Contracting
Michael Truitt. President, Carbon Neutral Group
Wes Parham. Vice President - Public Affairs, Pinnacol Assurance
- 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 - January 2024Executive Order to appoint members - July 2023
Executive Order to appoint members - June 2022
Executive Order to reappoint members - June 2020
Meeting Dates & Materials
- June 4, 2024
Agenda will be available soon
Draft Minutes will be available soon
Meeting Slides will be available soon- April 2, 2024
Agenda
Meeting Minutes
Meeting SlidesLinks shared during the webinar:
- Evaluation of Colorado's K-12 Education Accountability System ("Accountability audit" report)
- Accountability, Accreditation, Student Performance, and Resource Inequity Task Force (Also referred to as the HB23-1241 Task Force) webpage
- 1241 Task Force members may meet in small study groups between the regularly scheduled meetings focused work in specific areas. Of particular interest to the BEL Commission may be the Group 4 "Measures sufficient for high school" study group. Small study group info available here:
- Main Colorado Department of Education Accountability homepage
- The Postsecondary Workforce Readiness indicator in the state accountability system are: SAT (evidence-based reading and writing, as well as math); dropout; graduation; matriculation into college or career certificate program. More info here.
- The 1215 Task Force Final Report contains the accountability system recommendations on pages 10 - 13.
- February 6, 2024
Links shared during meeting:
- December 5, 2023
- October 3, 2023
- June 6, 2023
- April 4, 2023
- February 7, 2023
To access meeting materials and executive orders prior to February 2023, please contact cwdc@state.co.us
2024 Meeting Calendar
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Time: 8:00am - 9:30am
Location: In-Person, CDLE, 633 17th St., Denver (Room 12A)
Zoom Webinar Link
Passcode: 352649
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Time: 8:00am - 9:30am
Location: In-Person, CDLE, 633 17th St., Denver (Room 12A)
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Time: 8:00am - 9:30am
Location: In-Person, CDLE, 633 17th St., Denver (Room 12A)
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Time: 8:00am - 9:30am
Location: In-Person, CDLE, 633 17th St., Denver (Room 12A)