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 50 seniors from 25 colleges annually, to be hired across the industry. And up to another 100 ethnically diverse students will be promoted for part-time/summer internships.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Ferguson CLE Program

Opens August 1, closes September 20

TUITION SUPPORT & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 

COURSE CURRICULUM & MENTORSHIP

Real Estate CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

A cornerstone commitment to our conviction is preparing students for the C-Suites and Boards 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 mentorship.

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 4 main industry sectors, including real estate, infrastructure, hospitality and leisure, and healthcare services, principally senior housing.

TUITION SUPPORT & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 

COURSE CURRICULUM & MENTORSHIP

Real Estate CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Opens August 1, closes September 20
Opens August 1, closes September 20
Opens August 1, closes September 20
Opens August 1, closes September 20
Opens August 1, closes September 20

A cornerstone commitment to our conviction is preparing students for the C-Suites and Boards 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 mentorship.

COURSE CURRICULUM & MENTORSHIP

TUITION SUPPORT & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Real Estate CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

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.

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 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.

Our Approach

Driving diversity, equity & inclusion in real estate and related sectors

Featured in

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

Program Coordinator


Patricia Ritsman

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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Opens August 1, closes September 20

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