Press release provided by Project REAP.

(Kansas City, Mo. and Kansas City, Kan.) – Project REAP (Real Estate Associate Program), the industry-leading effort to link individuals of color to careers in real estate, has opened applications for its program taking place in Kansas City, Mo. and Kansas City, Kan., beginning September 2018. This will be the second offering of REAP, but the first time the program has been open to candidates from the entire Kansas City region. The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kan. has agreed to be a leading sponsor this year with the City of Kansas City, Missouri building on last year’s inaugural cohort that graduated 19 minority professionals.

“KCK is a community founded on the bedrock of diversity and opportunity. As a leading center of commercial development, it only makes sense that we work with our partners to bring greater professional opportunity to individuals of color. Greater inclusion strengthens our community now and for decades to come.” said Jon Stephens, director, Economic Development for Unified Government of Wyandotte County & Kansas City, KS.

“For Kansas City, Missouri, to maximize our opportunity to create diverse development in commercial real estate in our community, we need to provide the knowledge and access to those individuals who have the highest interest in leading that development effort. Last year was a great success and we look forward to supporting another talented group of people with vision.” said Scott Wagner, mayor pro-tem for the City of Kansas City, Missouri, who was instrumental in helping to launch the inaugural cohort last year.

The program includes a 10-week schedule of 20- plus classes with topics ranging from market analysis, financial analysis, site selection, development, leasing and brokerage with a focus on the major asset classes including retail, office, industrial and multifamily. Classed are taught by local industry leaders from throughout the Kansas City region including Copaken Brooks, Cushman Wakefield, JLL, JE Dunn, MAC Properties, Ryan Companies, The Cordish Companies, and others.

Industry sponsors this year include The Cordish Companies, Dentons and Copaken Brooks – which hired a graduate of the inaugural Kansas City cohort last year.

“The REAP program is uniquely designed to bring awareness to minority populations regarding career opportunities in the commercial real estate market. There are multiple career paths that are explored during the series which helps individuals identify where their skill set best fits.” said Mark Thomas, senior vice president at Copaken Brooks. “Of all the programs I support, this has been the most rewarding as it directly makes a positive impact on the lives of those who attend.”

Applications can be accessed at www.projectreap.org. Although real estate experience is not necessary for selection, as REAP seeks to identify candidates from across a wide spectrum of disciplines interested in a career in commercial real estate, all applicants must have a four-year degree and three to five years of professional, post-college work experience. The application period closes August 15, 2018.

REAP is a 501C3 corporation headquartered in New York City.

For more information, please contact: Osayamen Bartholomew, REAP Associate Program Director, (646) 728-3496.