An educational program that helps racially, ethnically and gender diverse students earn undergraduate degrees and secure promising careers in real estate and related sectors.
This program includes: Tuition support/financial assistance, Mentoring/coaching and help securing career opportunities.
Lastly, this program has the potential to graduate up to 150 seniors from 25 colleges annually, to be hired across the industry. And up to another 1,200 ethnically diverse students will be promoted for part-time/summer employment.
A cornerstone commitment to our conviction in this program is preparing students for the C-suites/Boards, where they truly can effectuate change. Our plan is to partner with colleges to develop/support a rigorous curriculum of about 5+ courses over three years, in order to graduate with a “real estate related minor”. The goal is for each collegiate partner to become a self-sustaining program, graduating students annually into the industry.
The goal is to partner with collegiate partners for tuition support and financial assistance to enroll at least 30 undergraduate students per college at any point in time (10 per class – sophomores, juniors, and seniors), minoring in a curriculum focused on operations, investments, and real estate development.
The CLE will be introducing students to career opportunities in at least 12 industry sectors,
including real estate, infrastructure, hospitality and leisure, and healthcare services, principally
senior housing.
A cornerstone commitment to our conviction in this program is preparing students for the
C-suites/Boards, where they truly can effectuate change. Our plan is to partner with colleges to
develop/support a rigorous curriculum of about 5+ courses over three years, in order to graduate
with a “real estate related minor”. The goal is for each collegiate partner to become a self-sustaining
program, graduating students annually into the industry.
The goal is to partner with collegiate partners for tuition support and financial assistance
to enroll at least 30 undergraduate students per college at any point in time (10 per class –
sophomores, juniors, and seniors), minoring in a curriculum focused on operations,
investments, and real estate development.
The CLE will be introducing students to career opportunities in at least 12 industry sectors,
including real estate, infrastructure, hospitality and leisure, and healthcare services, principally
senior housing.
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 racially and ethnically diverse students, as well as those who identify with diverse gender identities, 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.
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.
President
Program Coordinator
Student Liaison
Marketing Lead
Executive Assistant
Executive Director, Fundraising
Chief Operating Officer
Program Manager, Career Development
Program Manager, University Partners