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 2024

Executive 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 Slides

Links 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

Agenda
Minutes
Meeting Slides

Links shared during meeting:

• ISCED Country Diagrams 
• 1215 Report 

December 5, 2023

Agenda
Minutes
Meeting Slides

October 3, 2023

Agenda
Minutes
Meeting Slides

June 6, 2023

Agenda
Minutes

April 4, 2023

Agenda
Minutes

February 7, 2023

Agenda
Minutes

To access meeting materials and executive orders prior to February 2023, please contact cwdc@state.co.us