Badami Office of Experiential Learning
Empowering Leeds students to build industry experience while driving real-world results for employers.
The Nicholas Dante Badami Office of Experiential Learning (BOEL) connects Leeds students with hands-on opportunities that bridge classroom learning and real-world impact. Through consulting-style projects with businesses, and nonprofits, students apply their skills to solve authentic challenges while building confidence and durable skills, expanding professional networks, and gaining experience employers value. BOEL serves as a hub for experiential learning across Leeds, preparing students to translate their academic knowledge into meaningful results and career-ready skills.Ìý
Powered by a from Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder alumnus John Cumming and the Cumming Foundation, BOEL is redefining what a hands-on business education looks like
Featured Student Project: Brock USAÌý
When a leading manufacturer of shock pads for artificial turf fields, needed support with search engine optimization (SEO), answer engine optimization (AEO) and sales operations analysis, a team of Leeds students stepped in. Working alongside industry partners and a faculty mentor, the students conducted research, developed strategic recommendations and delivered a detailed action plan to improve Brock USA's digital visibility and market position.
Employer Perspective
"Bringing in the BOEL Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØstudents was one of the most valuable decisions we've made—their work didn't just provide recommendations, it delivered a clear, executable strategy that will improve visibility, increase qualified inbound leads, and strengthen Brock USA's position as the authority in turf safety and performance for years to come." — Zan Sawyer, Brock USAÌý
Student Perspective
"This experience confirmed my interest in consulting by showing how much I enjoy solving complex, real-world problems while helping people. It was especially rewarding to take an analytical approach to improving processes and turn that into solutions that impacted their day-to-day work. Seeing the client's gratitude and excitement at the end of the project made it even more meaningful and reinforced that I want a career where I can combine problem-solving with real impact." — Kaia Jensen, Leeds student
Leeds Students Bring Fresh Thinking to your Business
BOEL helps organizations engage talented, motivated students to tackle meaningful business challenges. Whether you're seeking market research, process improvements, strategic recommendations, data analysis or other project-based supportsupport, our students deliver innovative ideas backed by faculty guidance and structured project management. Establishing a relationship with Leeds and BOEL can also provide a proven talent pipeline for your organization when you need to make your next hiring decision. Ìý
Ready to engage? Share a business challenge or project idea and partner with Leeds students to create meaningful impact for your organization.Ìý
Gain Student Experience that Sets You Apart
BOEL projects help students build resumes, strengthen professional skills, explore career interests and develop the confidence to succeed after graduation. Work directly with real organizations, collaborate with peers and mentors, and gain experience solving challenges that matter—all while expanding your network and preparing for your future career.Ìý
Want to Learn More? Tell us about your interests and we'll help connect you with experiential learning opportunities that align with your goals.Ìý
Students can create an account on our experiential learning management system EduSourced to apply for projects.Ìý
About Extern
The Badami Office of Experiential Learning at Leeds has partnered with Extern to connect business students with mentored, project-based externships at globally recognized companies.Ìý
Office of Experiential Learning Staff
Darrell Zechman
Senior Director Career Development & Experiential Learning
Darrell.Zechman@colorado.edu
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Erin Penberthy
Associate Director, Office of Experiential Learning
Erin.Penberthy@colorado.edu
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Maddie Springer
Program Manager, Office of Experiential Learning
Maddie.Springer@colorado.edu
Heather Kennedy
Faculty Director, Office of Experiential Learning
Heather.Kennedy@colorado.edu