Badami Office of Experiential Learning
Where Learning Meets Action
The Nicholas Dante Badami Office of Experiential Learning (BOEL) has one mission: to connect classroom knowledge with real-world experience.
Welcome to the hub for applied learning at Leeds, closing the gap between theory and practice to prepare students to lead with confidence. Through the BOEL, students connect with companies to tackle real business challenges, gain professional readiness, and develop the emotional intelligence that sets them up for success. Powered by a transformative gift from CU Boulder alumnus John Cumming and the Cumming Foundation, the BOEL is redefining what a hands-on business education looks like.
Why It Matters
At Leeds, experiential learning isn’t an add-on—it’s integrated into our academic programs as a vital part of a business education. Students connect with companies, industry leaders and employers who partner with Leeds to develop consulting projects, operational solutions, and genuine business cases to solve. Students don’t just learn how to think; they learn how to do.
For students, experiential learning is a game-changer.
It builds critical thinking, leadership and problem-solving skills while providing real-world exposure that boosts career readiness. Research shows that students engaged in experiential programs are more likely to get hired and report higher job satisfaction down the road.
For company partners, experiential learning will contribute to your growth and innovation.
Talented students tackle your company’s business challenges, develop tools and assets, and implement efficiencies. This partnership also allows you to tap into student networks where you can build talent pipelines.
How it Works
Students
Complete the Badami Office of Experiential Learning Student Project Form to share your career goals and project interests with our staff. Our team will collaborate with corporate partners and find projects that align with your strengths and their priorities.
Companies
Connect with our office through the Badami Office of Experiential Learning Employer Project Form and share the projects and priorities for your business that you would like to tackle with Leeds. We will connect you with students that have the skills necessary to carry out your projects quickly and efficiently while they earn critical, on-the-job experience.
Get Started
For more information about the Badami Office of Experiential Learning in the Leeds School of Business, email boel@colorado.edu
Netting Results: Pure Fishing
Last summer, 15 Leeds students tackled real-world business challenges through an experiential project at Pure Fishing, a global leader in fishing gear. Working on AI-driven solutions, students delivered tangible results while gaining hands-on experience that will help shape their careers. From presenting at a company-wide Town Hall to collaborating with senior leaders, they saw firsthand how technology and human insight drive impact.
Building on the program’s success, Pure Fishing launched Phase 2 with Leeds, doubling student participation and expanding AI-focused projects in R&D and marketing, culminating in a showcase at company headquarters.
“They set a high bar for what’s possible when students are offered experiential learning opportunities.”
--Jeremiah Contreras, Associate Teaching Professor and Kala and Shiv Khatri Endowed Faculty Scholar
What Faculty Say
“Experiential learning is where theory meets practice—it’s the cornerstone of preparing students for success."
Jeremiah Contreras
"Experiential learning happens when students are given intentional opportunities to try, fail, reflect, and adapt through their own experiences, with instructors serving as coaches who guide, challenge, and support that growth."
Al Pisano
Office of Experiential Learning Staff
Darrell Zechman
Senior Director Career Developement & Experiential Learning
Darrell.Zechman@colorado.edu
Erin Penberthy
Associate Director, Office of Experiential Learning
Erin.Penberthy@colorado.edu
Heather Kennedy
Faculty Director, Office of Experiential Learning
Heather.Kennedy@colorado.edu