The Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate at Roosevelt University (MBIRE) announced that it is hosting a virtual two-week summer program that will expose high school students of color from Chicago and across the country to top college and career opportunities in commercial real estate.
The MBIRE Real Estate Exchange (REEX) Summer Program session will be offered virtually July 12-23 and may include some in-person components if COVID-19 protocols allow. Students can apply at www.reexprograms.org, and will need to provide a resume, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation prior to the March 31 deadline. Applicants should have a GPA above 3.0.
During the 10-day commercial real estate learning program, students will apply knowledge gained in market analysis, design, development and financial analysis to a final Shark Tank-style presentation of a case study for developing an underutilized site. The MBIRE team will compete against teens led by faculty at other hosting universities nationwide in a final presentation. Winners will receive a monetary award from sponsors.
MBIRE first hosted the REEX program in the summer of 2019 when a cohort of 19 students toured a property in Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood, then broke into groups to devise a redevelopment plan for the property. After receiving feedback and guidance, the groups presented their final plan to senior professionals who identified the most successful pitch.
MBIRE’s 2020 summer program was canceled due to the pandemic. And while this year’s virtual REEX session will look different from the 2019 program, English Dixon said MBIRE’s faculty is eager to engage with teens interested in commercial real estate.
Sponsored by the Real Estate Executive Council (REEC) and the commercial real estate development association NAIOP, the program offers high-achieving teens from challenging economic circumstances a chance to learn about going to college while connecting with other students from diverse backgrounds.
The program includes online learning about business and commercial real estate fundamentals through small groups and classroom modules, virtual tours of properties, offices and neighborhoods and access to prominent CRE professionals, trade association partners, university faculty and admissions officers and current enrolled college students as peer leaders.
The two-week program costs $750, however need-based, full scholarships will be available. Students can request to join a specific team, but pairing will be done by REEX. All REEX participants will have access to tours and admissions presentations from all university partners.
