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At the Burridge Center for Finance, students explored how their finance degree emphasis can shape their career path. Three spring treks brought 62 students to 31 firms across New York, Los Angeles and Orange County, resulting in over 125 alumni connections. The Center also expanded its Personal Financial Planning program, serving more than 250 students and equipping them to make informed financial decisions.

Students engaged with the Klump Center for Real Estate through the new CU Real Estate Investment Fund practicum. Undergraduate and graduate students evaluated a live multifamily investment, analyzed risks and returns and presented recommendations to a mock committee of alumni and local professionals. The successful pilot resulted in the creation of a two-semester, for-credit course, providing a new hands-on learning opportunity.

The Deming Center for Entrepreneurship offered students the chance to turn ideas into action. The inaugural Spark Founders incubator brought together six student founders to test their ideas, engage with customers and refine business models. Through coaching, peer mentorship and connections to Boulder’s entrepreneurial community, students developed ventures ranging from a clothing brand to a cybersecurity solution. This experience helped them build practical skills and confidenceÌýfor future ventures.

Leeds’ commitment to applied learning also addressed urgent societal challenges through the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility (CESR). Through Boulder Climate Ventures, an interdisciplinary initiative with the Deming Center and the College of Engineering and Applied Science, students developed and pitched early-stage climate-tech ventures to investors. CESR also supported six students through its Impact Internship Program, providing $7,000 stipends for 10-week nonprofit internships, including affordable housing opportunities in partnership with the Klump Center.

In addition to hands-on experiences, Leeds Centers brought students and scholars together to explore issues that have real impact on people’s lives. The Center for Research on Consumer Financial Decision Making hosted its 2026 summer conference in Boulder, uniting scholars, financial professionals and consumer advocates from various disciplines. Participants examined topics such as financial inclusion, housing and the effects of digital gambling, deepening understanding of consumer financial well-being.

The Business Research Division extended that expertise within Colorado’s business community, partnering with over 40 organizations throughout the year. The division delivered nearly 50 presentations on economic conditions, including the 62nd annual Colorado Business Economic Outlook Forum, developed with input from 130 public and private leaders statewide. Seven Leeds students served as research assistants, gaining practical experience in economic research.Ìý

Together, these centers extend the Leeds experience beyond the classroom. Some offer students opportunities to analyze live investments, test ventures, conduct research and connect with alumni. Others bring scholars and industry experts together to advance knowledge and address business challenges. The Centers of Excellence not only impact the community but also help students discover their interests, build professional confidence and prepare them to make a difference in their future careers.Ìý

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