The Real Estate Accelerator Lab (REAL), powered by ULI Cincinnati, is an industry-supported program designed to educate and mentor the next generation of Greater Cincinnati real estate professionals. Program participants are chosen to bring together a diverse class with a focus on leadership and those typically underrepresented in the real estate development industry. The goal of the REAL program is to expand diversity of race, ethnicity and gender identity in real estate development by offering a select group the opportunity to expand their knowledge and build skills. Participants will develop a valuable network of fellow students, REAL graduates and industry professionals. Importantly, graduates will learn the building blocks of creating and sustaining thriving careers and communities.

The nine-month program is comprised of nine program days and a group project. Each program day has a specific educational topic of focus and takes place at 1819 Innovation Hub in Cincinnati.

The program begins with a kick-off in September and will conclude with graduation presentations in May 2023.

Ideal participants are mid-career, Greater Cincinnati professionals who have a strong interest in advancing their career in the real estate profession. The program will be enriched by the diversity of participants which will be open to people of color, women, entrepreneurs, LGBTQ, non-profit and for-profit professionals. Select leaders with varying levels of familiarity with real estate development will create a myriad of experiences and perspectives.

Students will be selected from a pool of applicants through a rigorous process of screening and interviewing.  Individuals should be poised to assume leadership positions and/or have an entrepreneurial drive to create and foster real estate development in their communities; be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel; and have a minimum of 5 years of experience which may include education, work or real estate investment or a combination thereof.

Applicants will be expected to provide an essay explaining why they consider themselves an emerging leader; how their participation in REAL will transform their career or life and what the implications of their participation will be for their community.

Participants will be placed on a small team for a program duration group project.

The Real Estate Accelerator Lab is a tuition-based program. The tuition cost for current members of ULI is $1,500.00. Tuition for non-members is $1,750.00 and includes a 12-month Associate ULI Membership.

Tuition assistance through the REAL Scholarship Fund is available for qualified individuals, particularly those who are self-employed or work at a non-profit.

The Real Estate Accelerator Lab requires a significant time commitment. If accepted into this select and competitive program, participants will need to commit to be fully engaged and involved throughout the duration of the program including completion of out-of-class and group assignments.

More information and applications can be found here and are due by June 30, 2022.

For questions, contact ULI Cincinnati at [email protected].