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Veterans Scholarship Program

Building Opportunities for Those Who Serve

Established in 2020, The CCIM Institute Foundation Veterans Scholarship Program gives back to the brave men and women who have served the United States by offering educational funding to pursue a new career in the dynamic commercial real estate industry. Qualifying U.S. military veterans can apply for scholarships up to $15,000 to be used for non-degree-based commercial real estate education, including certification programs through National Association of REALTORS® affiliate organizations, including CCIM Institute, REALTORS® Land Institute, IREM, and SIOR. Active-duty service military within 12 months of the end of active service are also invited to apply. 

Why pursue a career in commercial real estate? 

Commercial real estate is a dynamic field, where determination and self-discipline are crucial tools for success. Individuals can pursue careers in brokerage, investment, facilities management, development, and more, in sectors ranging from million-square-foot industrial spaces and office buildings to small apartment complexes and mom-and-pop retail stores. Commercial real estate professionals create and shape the places where we live, work, and play, and they play a key role in building healthy and sustainable communities across the globe. 
Up to

$15,000

Apply NowAPPLY NOW

Application Opens

January 2027

Application Closes

March 2027

Winners Announced

June 2027

Eligibility Requirements

  • Hold an honorable discharge (DD214) or be within 12 months of  
    the end of active service
  • Do not currently hold a commercial real estate-associated designation
  • Earn a passing grade in CCIM Institute's Foundations for Success in Commercial Real Estate course. Each applicant will receive tuition-free access to this online course as part of the application process* 

*Upon successful completion of the Foundations for Success in Commercial Real Estate course, applicant will receive a link to the second half of the application which includes essay questions and requires uploading three professional references. 

For questions, please contact foundation@ccim.com

Congratulations 2026 Veterans Scholarship Recipients 

Howie Coro

Howie Coro

Air Force
Somers, CT
Leland Hoffman

Leland Hoffman

Navy
Mooresville, NC
Maxx Killman

Maxx Killman

Navy
San Diego, CA

Maxx Killman

Navy
San Diego, CA
Calvin Knecht

Calvin Knecht

Army
Smiths Station, AL
"After an injury ended the career path I had originally envisioned, real estate gave me a new mission and an opportunity to rebuild. I began by helping individuals and families navigate major financial decisions, eventually becoming a broker, business owner, investor, and leader within my profession... My goal is not simply to earn another credential, but to become a more capable advisor and a stronger resource for clients who rely on me to help protect and grow their investments... I take that responsibility seriously and intend to honor [the Foundation's] investment through the work I do."
Jeffrey Martino

Jeffrey Martino

Navy
Albany, NY
"[The Veteran's Scholarship] allows me to pursue the CCIM Designation without having to choose between professional development and the day-to-day investments required to build my book of business. As a veteran who has recently transitioned into commercial real estate, I am especially grateful to receive support from an organization that recognizes the resilience, grit, and perspective veterans bring to the profession."
Bob Piljay

Robert Piljay

Air Force
Kingsland, GA
Yvonne Spencer

Yvonne Spencer

Army
Memphis, TN
Angela Wakefield Manning

Angela Wakefield-Manning

Navy
Hilliard, FL

Thomas Marks

Air Force
Katy, TX

Miguel Pedersen

Air Force
Miami, FL

Marcos Ruvalcaba

Marine Corps
Oceanside, CA

Patrick White

Army
Fayetteville, NC

Angela Wakefield-Manning

Navy
Hilliard, FL

Jeffrey Martino

Navy
Albany, NY

Maxx Killman

Navy
San Diego, CA

Howie Coro

Air Force
Somers, CT

Robert Piljay

Air Force
Kingsland, GA

Yvonne Spencer

Army
Memphis, TN

Calvin Knecht

Army
Smiths Station, AL

Leland Hoffman

Navy
Mooresville, NC

Sharese Leggette

Army
Charlotte, NC

Kyle Fried

Air Force
Temecula, CA

Miguel Pedersen

Air Force
Miami, FL

Marcos Ruvalcaba

Marine Corps
Oceanside, CA

Wellyston De Faria

Army
La Mesa, CA

Thomas Marks

Air Force
Katy, TX

Patrick White

Army
Fayetteville, NC

John Fabros

Navy
Baltimore, MD

Addison Hagan

Marine Corps
Richmond, VA

Kerry Engelmann

Army
Summerset, SD

Kory Kiesel

Navy
Alexandria, VA

Michael Euperio

Army
Lafayette, CO

Nate Niehuus

Army
Austin, TX

Nathan Feld

Marine Corps
O'Fallon, MO

Ryan Hall

Air Force
Pararescue Oro Valley, AZ

Greg DeLuca

Navy SEALs
Virginia Beach, VA

Jasmine Foster

Army
Westmont, IL

Jeremy Glore

Army National Guard
Atlanta, GA

Vy Le

Army
Tacoma, WA

Fabian Ospina

Marine Corps and Navy
Pembroke Pines, FL

Rolando Reyes, Jr.

Navy
Alameda, CA

Brandon Witt

Army National Guard
Springboro, OH


Joshua Emison

Marine Corps
Carlsbad, CA

Trent Michels

Army
Charlotte, NC


Eric Petz

Air Force
La Crescenta, CA

Erich Schubert

Navy 
Beavercreek, OH


Michael Young

Army
San Francisco, CA

Leah Ash

Army
LaGrange, TX

Brian Perry

Army
McLean, VA

Daniel Trigo

Air Force
Celina, TX

Colin Lubinski

Marine Corps
Laporte, IN

Nathanial Goldsmith

Army
Cary, NC

Carlos Piedrahita

Army
Miami Gardens, FL

Alexander Papai

Army
New Orleans, LA

Kresston Davis

Air Force
Dallas, TX

Kyle Fried

2025 Veterans Scholarship Recipient

“The Veterans Scholarship helped me focus on my extensive course material in pursuit of the pin. The Foundation makes it possible for veterans like me to retool their skill set after active service, leading to a rewarding career in commercial real estate.”

A New Mission. A Stronger Future.

After more than a decade flying aircraft in the U.S. Air Force, Kyle Freed was ready for a new challenge. He found it in commercial real estate — and quickly recognized that earning the CCIM designation would provide the expertise and credibility needed to excel. As a Veterans Scholarship recipient, Kyle was able to focus on mastering the coursework instead of worrying about travel and education expenses. His story illustrates the lasting impact of Foundation scholarships: removing financial barriers, developing industry leaders, and helping talented professionals build careers that strengthen commercial real estate for years to come.

Support the Veterans Scholarship Program

If you would like to support this program, you can donate to The CCIM Institute Foundation and earmark your amount for the Veterans Scholarship fund. 
Donate Now

Other Available Scholarships 

The CCIM Institute Foundation offers additional scholarships specifically for veterans and/or their families to honor the commitment and sacrifices made by those who serve.
Susan & Mac McClure Fund Gold Star Family ScholarshipThe Juge Family Coast Guard Scholarship
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