Empowering students. Securing promising careers.
Watch the video below to learn more about The Ferguson CLE Foundation and why we do what we do.
An educational program that empowers diverse students to achieve undergraduate degrees and launch successful careers in real estate and related industries.
This program includes: Tuition support, industry mentorship, coaching, self-paced training, and help securing career opportunities.
Lastly, this program has the potential to graduate up to 50 seniors from 25 colleges annually, to be hired across the industry. And up to another 100 diverse students will be promoted for part-time/summer internships.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Ferguson CLE Program
TUITION SUPPORT
COURSE CURRICULUM & MENTORSHIP
Real Estate CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
A cornerstone commitment to our conviction is preparing students for the C-Suites and Boardrooms where they can truly effectuate change. That’s why, in partnership with LifeRamp we have designed a transformational, coach guided educational program that includes self-led training modules, 1:1 career and life coaching, virtual learning experiences as well as real estate industry mentorship.
The goal is to partner with collegiate partners to enroll at least 50 sophomores each year, for a total of 150 students in the program (50 per class – sophomores, juniors, and seniors), minoring in a curriculum focused on business, finance and real estate courses. Scholarships earned through the program will go to our collegiate partners for disbursement to the students' accounts to cover their tuition costs.
The CLE will be introducing students to career opportunities in at least 4 main industry sectors,
including real estate, infrastructure, hospitality and leisure, and healthcare services, principally
senior housing.
TUITION SUPPORT
COURSE CURRICULUM & MENTORSHIP
Real Estate CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
A cornerstone commitment to our conviction is preparing students for the C-Suites and Boardrooms where they can truly effectuate change. That’s why, in partnership with LifeRamp we have designed a transformational, coach guided educational program that includes self-led training modules, 1:1 career and life coaching, virtual learning experiences as well as real estate industry mentorship.
COURSE CURRICULUM & MENTORSHIP
TUITION SUPPORT & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Real Estate CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The goal is to partner with collegiate partners to enroll at least 50 sophomores each year, for a total of 150 students in the program (50 per class – sophomores, juniors, and seniors), minoring in a curriculum focused on business, finance and real estate courses. Scholarships earned through the program will go to our collegiate partners for disbursement to the students' accounts to cover their tuition costs.
COURSE CURRICULUM & MENTORSHIP
TUITION SUPPORT & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Real Estate CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The CLE will be introducing students to career opportunities in at least 4 main industry sectors, including real estate, infrastructure, hospitality and leisure, and healthcare services, principally senior housing.
COURSE CURRICULUM & MENTORSHIP
TUITION SUPPORT & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Real Estate CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The Ferguson CLE Values
Community
Community is a fundamental value that drives our mission to empower diverse students
to succeed academically and professionally. We know that by coming together,
supporting one another, and working towards common goals, we can create a more
positive and impactful future for all.
Purpose
Purpose is what drives us to make a difference in the world. When we are driven by a sense
of purpose and meaning, we are able to achieve our greatest potential and make the
most positive impact. We believe that by supporting our students in finding and pursuing
their purpose, we can create a more purposeful and fulfilling future for all.
Ambition
Ambition is what fuels our drive to succeed and to make a difference in the world, and
that it is a fundamental quality that we should nurture and cultivate. We believe that by
embracing ambition, we can create a more ambitious and accomplished future for all.
Diversity
We
recognize that everyone brings unique perspectives, experiences, and skills to
the table, and that our differences are what make us stronger. That’s why we
are committed to building a program that is inclusive and welcoming to all,
and to empowering diverse students to succeed
academically and professionally.
Stewardship
We are custodians of the resources and opportunities
that have been entrusted to us, and that it is our duty to use them wisely and
effectively. We are committed to building a program that is grounded in the
principles of stewardship, ensuring that our resources are used efficiently and
effectively to create the greatest possible impact.
By combining the highest-quality education with expert mentorship, we will create a self-sustaining ecosystem that will pave the way for today's diverse students to become tomorrow's leaders.
With the support of industry leaders, The Ferguson CLE will function as the tipping point that helps change the racial and ethnic composition of the sector, transforming it into a field recognized for hiring and promoting people from all backgrounds.
And then, the largest industry in our country can set the example for all other industries. Together, we will prepare diverse students to lead the world of tomorrow.
Our Approach
Driving diversity, equity & inclusion in real estate and related sectors
William (Bill) Ferguson serves as Chairman of Ferguson Partners. He conducts senior management recruiting assignments, with a specialization in president/Chief Executive Officer searches and recruiting assignments for Boards of Trustees/Directors.
He also conducts CEO succession planning assignments and facilitates public company Board assessments and senior management assessments. Before founding Ferguson Partners, Mr. Ferguson was a Managing Director with one of the leading international executive recruiting consultants.
There, he co-managed the firm’s national real estate practice. Prior to focusing on real estate, Mr. Ferguson worked for General Mills, Inc. in Minneapolis in strategic marketing.
Utilizing over 30 years of knowledge and experience around real estate and related industries, Bill launched his latest initiative- The Ferguson Centers for Leadership Excellence, in June of 2022. Bill and his wife, Penny Ferguson, are committed to creating an ecosystem of inclusion, opportunity, and justice for future generations.
Our Story
Meet Bill Ferguson
President
Bill Ferguson
Who we are
Meet the team
Student Liaison
Ebony Mitchell
Marketing Lead
Anisha Desai
Executive Assistant
Nicole Gariti
Executive Director, Fundraising
Penny Ferguson
Chief Operating Officer
Carrie Nowicki
Program Manager, Career Development
Emily Bell
Program Manager, University Partners
Kelli Dungan
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