Nareit’s Ayris T. Scales, SVP of social responsibility & global initiatives, recently joined the NAF KnoPro REIT/Real Estate Industry Challenge to recognize high school students from across the country who developed innovative solutions to the question: “How might we make real estate investing a tool for doing good and growing wealth for everyone?”
Supported by a Nareit Foundation Dividends Through Diversity grant, the challenge introduced 1,069 students from more than 200 participating schools and educational organizations to commercial real estate and REITs through an engaging, real-world learning experience. Students submitted 148 innovative projects, applying classroom knowledge to address business challenges while exploring how real estate investing can create long-term economic opportunity and strengthen communities.
“The creativity, confidence, and thoughtfulness these students brought to the Challenge were inspiring,” said Ayris T. Scales. “Programs like KnoPro demonstrate the power of early career exposure and hands-on learning. By connecting students to real-world business challenges, we’re helping them envision new career pathways while building awareness of the commercial real estate industry and the role REITs play in creating long-term value.”
As part of the grant, the REIT/Real Estate Industry Challenge will remain available on the KnoPro platform as an evergreen educational resource, allowing educators across the country to continue introducing future students to careers in commercial real estate and real estate investing long after the grant period has ended.