The Alabama Association of REALTORS® (AAR) and Alabama State University (ASU) announced Wednesday a partnership to promote educational opportunities for ASU students through a microcredential in real estate focusing on all aspects of the real estate industry. This partnership is the first of its kind in the nation between a state REALTOR® organization and a Historically Black College/University (HBCU).
Alabama REALTORS® is providing a five-year financial commitment to aid in the development and implementation of the ASU/AAR program. The curriculum will cover all facets of real estate from lending and appraisal to building and insurance, along with other related fields. It will also include a homeownership education component and internship opportunities.
“The goal of the program is to equip students with a deep understanding of the real estate industry as a whole, empower students with the knowledge to pursue careers in real estate-related fields, and instill the importance of homeownership,” said Alabama REALTORS® Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Walker. “Together, we can work to increase diversity in real estate-related fields, promote minority homeownership, and help close the wealth gap in Alabama.”
“We are proud to be a part of this groundbreaking program that will provide countless opportunities for students,” said Alabama REALTORS® President Wes Grant. “From hands-on experience to homeownership outreach, we hope the students will walk away with skills they can use in all aspects of life, not just in their career.”
In attendance at the announcement and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding from ASU were President Dr. Quinton Ross, Dr. Tanjula Petty, Dr. Carl Pettis, Dr. Kamal Hingorani, ASU Board Trustee Delbert Madison, and ASU Board Trustee Tiffany McCord; and from Alabama REALTORS® were Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Walker, President Wes Grant, and Associate Counsel Katie Richard.
The Alabama Association of REALTORS® (AAR) is the largest statewide organization of real estate professionals comprised of over 19,000 members from 24 boards and 1,200 real estate companies. United by adherence to a Code of Ethics, our members work as real estate professionals in the sale, lease, appraisal, management and development of residential, commercial, rural and resort properties throughout Alabama.
