Expanding Access to Careers in Commercial Real Estate
The CCIM Institute Foundation Opportunity Scholarship Program helps foster an inclusive commercial real estate professional community. These scholarships help jump-start and transform the commercial real estate careers of qualifying individuals by funding their path to the CCIM Pin, the gold standard in commercial real estate designations. A limited number are awarded annually to qualifying applicants to use for Designation course enrollment and fees.
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
$5,000
Application Opens
August 2026
Application Closes
October 2026
Winners Announced
December 2026
Eligibility Requirements
- Are a First-Generation Commercial Real Estate Professional; and
- Have successfully completed CI 101: Financial Analysis for Commercial Investment Real Estate
Congratulations 2025 Recipients
Keyunta (Key) Dawson
Columbia, TN
Jolie Duhon
Houston, TX
Chieristin Lawson
Memphis, TN
Jolandra Cole McNeil
New Orleans, LA
Dylan Patel
Memphis, TN
Stefany Lee Sigier
Henderson, NV
It was an opportunity to get the education, experience, and exposure in a shorter period than it would have taken had I paid for it on my own. What I have understood for some time is that the exposure and opportunity need to be expanded and heightened so that more young people of color understand real estate is an avenue for wealth, influence, entrepreneurship, and opportunities for independence and just a different perspective on life.
Njeri Warfield, 2022 Scholarship Recipient
The CCIM Foundation Scholarship makes it financially possible for a more diverse group of real estate professionals to gain a direct pathway towards industry excellence. As a female entrepreneur, earning the CCIM Designation will give me the education and credibility needed to build a strong foundation in commercial real estate. More importantly, it will have a rippling effect encouraging other people of color and women who see me striving for success to also seek out acquiring this Designation. Also, as the designated broker of a real estate company, I will be able to share my gained knowledge with my agents and other professionals I mentor.
Sheila Hawkins-Bucklew – 2022 Scholarship Recipient
"I am honored and beyond grateful for being selected as a recipient of the 2023 CCIM Institute Foundation Scholarship. This is pivotal support in my journey toward advancing in the commercial real estate industry. I am deeply appreciative of The CCIM Institute Foundation [...]. I am eager to leverage this opportunity to enhance my education and contribute meaningfully to the ... community."
Francisco Sanchez, 2023 Scholarship Recipient
Support the Opportunity Scholarship Program
If you would like to support this program, you can donate to The CCIM Institute Foundation and earmark your amount for the Opportunity Scholarship fund.
Other Available Scholarships
The CCIM Institute Foundation also offers a Veterans Scholarship and Named Education Scholarships in partnership with local CCIM Chapters.