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After turning to a virtual format amid the onset of COVID-19, Project REAP (Real Estate Associate Program) – a national organization that works to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the commercial real estate industry – is heading back to school with a hybrid format for its upcoming session.

Project REAP is accepting applications for its Spring 2023 Academy through Jan. 31, 2023, at midnight.

Real estate experience is not a requirement for participation — the course is designed for diverse professionals interested in entering the field of commercial real estate.

For candidates within commuting distance of REAP’s eight metro markets – New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Los Angeles, Dallas and Washington, D.C. – the 10-week hybrid course will include three weeks of in-person learning. Expanding eligibility beyond that geography, a seven-week virtual track is also accepting applications. On-demand courses complete the program.

The Academy is designed to introduce industry terminology, concepts and processes to lay the foundation for a career in commercial real estate, to advance careers, or for those looking to make a pivot.

Core topics include: financial analysis, development, asset and property management, market analysis, investment sales/brokerage and leasing/lease analysis. And they’re taught by people actively working in the field: Lecturers are active REAP sponsors and CRE professionals.

In 2022, Amazon signed on as an Executive Diamond sponsor for REAP. Other sponsors across the organization’s Platinum, Gold and Silver benefactors include: Innovating Commerce Serving Communities, Marcus & Millichap, Colliers, Cushman & Wakefield, Walmart Realty, McDonalds, Starbucks, and Bridge Investment Group, among others.

According to REAP, candidates should expect to spend about four to six hours per week completing courses, including the on-demand component.

REAP’s Spring Academy begins April 10 and ends June 12.