SIOR, along with the SIOR Foundation, will proudly sponsor the 2021 Real Estate Exchange (REEX) Summer Program, which will take place virtually with nine different universities over the course of two sessions. The first, held by Cornell, MIT, NYU, and the University of Miami, will be held June 21-July 2. The second will be held by Harvard, Howard, Marquette, Roosevelt, and SMU on July 12-23. 

The program provides diverse high school students with exposure to the commercial real estate (CRE) industry, along with the fundamentals of business, engineering, technology, and entrepreneurship. 

Students get the opportunity to attend top colleges and universities across the country (virtually again this summer) and engage with top academic faculty and professionals in the commercial real estate industry.  REEX's goal is to "expose 1,500 teens of color to a variety of colleges and universities, as well as career opportunities."

"Success comes through collaboration, and equity is integral to ensuring diverse perspectives," says SIOR President Mark Duclos, SIOR. "Having a program like REEX helps solve the lack of diversity in the CRE industry, while also introducing young adults to the many possibilities within the industry. We are proud to focus on this important initiative." 

During the 10-day program,  students gain knowledge in areas such as market analysis, development and financial analysis, and get the opportunity to compete Shark Tank-style by presenting a case study for developing an underutilized site.

"The future of the industry lies in the education of our youth," explains SIOR Foundation President Albert McNeel, SIOR. "Fostering new interest and knowledge in commercial real estate can only benefit the road ahead."

SIOR has participated for several years, not only sponsoring, but providing SIOR members as speakers and judges. The virtual program this year will still give students the opportunity to collaborate, pitch their presentations, attend virtual site visits, and learn and network.

SIOR is currently seeking volunteers to act as speakers and judges. Please contact cnowak@sior.com for more information.