NAF’s Innovative Approach Creates Next Generation of Leaders for REITs

This is the fifth in a series of profiles about the Nareit Foundation’s DTD 2025 grantees and grant program. The grant program falls under the Foundation’s DTD initiative, which focuses on increasing the visibility, awareness, and appeal of the REIT industry to more businesses, workforce talent, and communities. There are three priority areas: supporting pipeline/talent development, expanding procurement and business development, and helping everyday investors understand REITs and how to invest in them.

In 2025, The Nareit Foundation awarded grants to nine nonprofit organizations. This article features NAF and how it supports the DTD initiative’s goal of helping REITs develop and sustain a strong pool of talented, skilled individuals who bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and innovation to their organizations.

In today's rapidly changing business world, REITs understand that building teams with different backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints fosters fresh ideas, creates a competitive edge, and results in long-term success. However, an important question remains: How can REITs efficiently and effectively find and connect with new industry-ready talent?

Seeking to address this challenge, NAF—a national non-profit dedicated to career readiness education—has partnered with the Nareit Foundation. Together, they’re expanding opportunities and creating new pathways for high school students to learn about and work in the REIT industry.

Focusing on practical training and real-world learning, NAF is connecting students with career opportunities that they might not have known existed. Partnering with schools, businesses, and community leaders, the organization is making sure that every student has the chance to succeed and realize their full potential.

“Early exposure and hands-on experience are critical to preparing the next generation of talent for our industry,” says Ayris T. Scales, Nareit’s senior vice president of social responsibility and global initiatives. “NAF is giving young people the skills and confidence to see themselves in real estate careers long before they enter the job market. This investment strengthens the future REIT workforce while opening doors to meaningful opportunities for the students who will be the next generation of industry leaders."

Education That Goes Beyond the Classroom

For 45 years, NAF has been transforming the high school experience by providing more than just lectures and textbooks. In NAF academies, which are small, specialized learning communities within regular high schools, students gain hands-on experience in fast-growing industries like finance, information technology, health sciences, and now commercial real estate and REITs.

“Students can consider careers that they may not have thought about previously, and it’s about access, opportunity, and connection,” says Dirk Butler, NAF's chief program officer, who has more than 20 years of experience working across non-profit, private, and academic sectors.

“What brought me to this career path is the opportunity to effect change in the lives of young people, and what NAF brings to the table is a really profound impact on students and their communities,” Butler says.

What sets NAF apart is its focus on practical experience, he explains. Students work on real-world projects, participate in internships, and connect with mentors across different industries.

“We’re igniting passion in young people by exposing them not only to a curriculum but offering real connections with professionals who are eager to pass on their knowledge and share insights into how their organizations operate,” Butler says. “Our secret sauce is giving students authentic experiences that make learning truly meaningful.”

Nationally, there are 634 NAF academies across 367 high schools, reaching more than 112,000 students. Butler says these young people are building important skills, gaining practical experience, and making connections that could lead to career opportunities they may not have otherwise discovered.

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Instilling Knowledge, Addressing Industry Challenges

With the Nareit Foundation grant, NAF is creating new resources, launching an industry-focused curriculum, and introducing a KnoPro Challenge, a unique, digital work-based learning innovation.  KnoPro is an online platform where high school students around the country can sign up and compete to solve real problems for businesses and organizations, which is free of charge. Students work on these challenges, share their ideas, and receive feedback from virtual mentors, helping them build skills and experience.

This new KnoPro Challenge, “Real Estate, Real Impact: Build a REIT that Builds the Future,” is a free, month-long competition available this fall and open to all high school students. Unlike typical work-based learning opportunities, KnoPro is project-based and will reach a wide-ranging population of young people who will tackle real-world challenges facing the REIT industry.

Participants will brainstorm ways to make real estate careers and investing more accessible. For example, students can offer creative ways to invest in REITs with just $20 or identify new groups that could benefit from property investment. The goal is to spark interest in real estate and REITs and introduce students to these career paths.

REIT professionals can participate in the KnoPro Challenge, by acting as mentors or judges, or potentially implementing the strategies that come from the students’ ideas. Young people competing in the challenge will gain hands-on experience, recognition, resume credentials, and even cash prizes, while companies will benefit from fresh ideas and perspectives, Butler explains.

Stakeholder Involvement Integral to Success

NAF creates local advisory boards, which are an essential link between the classroom and businesses, Butler explains. Boards comprise business leaders, educators, and community members who help guide and shape the programs. This strong partnership, Butler explains, ensures that NAF’s programs remain relevant and responsive to the needs of today’s employers.

“These stakeholders are extremely committed to helping young people in their communities be successful,” Butler notes. “It’s the partnership among all these stakeholders that really drives the NAF design and leads to its deep impact.”

“At the heart of the NAF approach is the belief that if young people can see it, they can be it,” Butler says. “Our goal is to introduce students to different careers, giving them the opportunity to experience real work-based learning through our partnerships. At the core of what we do is help students gain the experience and support they need, while transforming the high school experience and shaping a talented workforce for the future.”

The numbers indicate the model is working. In 2024, NAF seniors had a 99% graduation rate, with 90% planning to go to college.

“That’s really a testament, not only to the design but to the dedication of our partners, staff, and the students themselves,” Butler states. “These young people are dedicated to making positive changes in their own lives.”

Supporting NAF Benefits REIT Leaders

One of the biggest advantages of partnering with NAF is that it provides companies with job-ready students who already have industry knowledge and skills, Butler notes. This saves both time and money when hiring and training new employees.

Scales agrees: “To have a future-ready industry, you need future-ready talent—and that’s exactly what NAF is building,” she says. “This grant is about more than funding programs; it’s about creating a clear runway for the next generation to enter the REIT space with skills, confidence, and industry insights. For our members, that means a stronger talent pipeline, greater innovation, and a workforce that’s prepared to lead from day one.”

There are many ways for REIT professionals to get involved, in addition to participating in the upcoming KnoPro Challenge. This includes mentoring students, participating in mock interviews or panels, offering internships or resources, hosting site visits or workplace tours, or serving on local NAF advisory boards.

Building the Future Together

By partnering with organizations like the Nareit Foundation, NAF is not just filling jobs, it’s investing in stronger communities, driving innovation, and helping students imagine futures that once seemed out of reach.

“It’s about creating deep and meaningful pipelines for students within real estate,” Butler says. “This partnership with Nareit is a strong start, and I’m excited about the possibilities for students and the industry.”

Getting Involved

REITs that want to know about how they can partner with NAF and/or other pipeline/talent development initiatives should contact Ayris T. Scales at ascales@nareit.com or NAF’s Philanthropy Team at Development@naf.org.