NAIOP, the industry association related to office and industrial properties, is working with Drexel University in Philadelphia to introduce more people of color to the commercial real estate industry.
The commercial real estate development association and university have teamed up to create the NAIOP-Drexel Summer Program, 10 days focused on activities to get successful rising high school juniors and seniors interested in commercial real estate.
The program runs from July 10-19 on Drexel’s main campus in Philadelphia. Joe Ritchie, president of NAIOP Philadelphia, said the program lets students of color know a career in commercial real estate is an option. Ritchie is director of business development and head of diversity and inclusion at Tishman Speyer.
“It puts them in the room with local CRE executives, provides tours of exciting Philadelphia-area real estate developments and includes classroom instruction and group project work,” Ritchie said in a statement. “In addition to the CRE education, we are also introducing them to a taste of the college life.”
Admission to the program is competitive, with GPA, available standardized test scores and involvement in extracurricular and community service activities considered during the selection process.
Students who are accepted into the program receive a scholarship that covers room and board as well as all activities.
Students can apply on NAIOP Philadelphia’s website. Applications are due June 1.