New Program Designed for Aspiring Realtors
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Each year, Caldwell Banker Richard Ellis (CBRE), a Fortune 500 company and one of the “Big Four” real estate organizations, in partnership with Project Destined offer a program to HBCU students interested in commercial real estate careers. Almost 100 students are selected from participating HBCUs across the country.
“Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Bridge Program'' is a six-week bridge program where students will receive over 40 hours of first-hand experience with what a commercial real estate career entails. According to Yahoo! Finance, students can expect to participate in seminars and workshops, speak with CBRE leaders, learn how to optimize their LinkedIn account, revamp their interviewing skills, and much more. In addition, academic advisors will assist students throughout the program. The academic advisors are leaders from the selected HBCUs who will receive a fellowship stipend for their contribution.
Here’s an excerpt from CBRE’s press release on the HBCU Bridge Program (via AP News):
“Through this program, Project Destined is empowering the next generation of Black Leaders in commercial real estate by providing the tools, knowledge, and resources to prepare them for rewarding careers,” Tim Dismond, CBRE’s Chief Responsibility Officer. “Thanks to our comprehensive partnership, CBRE is gaining access to a rich pipeline of future talent from underrepresented communities of color, so our workforce reflects the communities where we live and work.”
The program was launched in 2020 when CBRE announced it would sponsor Project Destined to create an 8-week virtual commercial real estate internship program. The program is part of CBRE’s Community Impact Initiative, which aims to educate, train, and hire diverse talent. Since its launch two years ago, The HBCU Bridge Program partnership has had over 350 students enrolled, with 76% of them landing full-time or internship opportunities, as reported by Yahoo! Finance. Learn more about HBCU Bridge Program here.