Our Programs - Cultural Diversity Program

A student must provide the required documents:

1. A current resume.
2. Three letters of recommendation.
3. A cover letter regarding your interest in participating in the program.
4. Cultural Diversity Education Program Application.

Applications are submitted to the CCIM Institute for review and sent to the Cultural Diversity Advisory Board for approval. Since the courses and tuition discount are offered throughout the calendar year, there is rolling admission into the Cultural Diversity Program.

Entry into the CI Intro courses offered through the Cultural Diversity Education Program and the designation course tuition discounts are based on availability.

Confirmation

Applicants will receive a confirmation e-mail when their completed application is received.

Discounts for Two-Day Intro Course

Qualified minority real estate professionals can take a step toward learning the basics of commercial real estate through a discount voucher program.

Under the program, a limited number of $150 vouchers will be provided to minority professionals to enroll in Introduction to Commercial Real Estate Analysis, a two-day course offered nationwide. Total cost for taking the course varies. The discount voucher program is in effect through year-end 2011, or until all vouchers have been distributed.

Minority real estate professional interested in applying should contact the Cultural Diversity department at diversity@cciminstitute.com.

Successfully completing the CI Intro course is just one part of CCIM Institute education. Through the Cultural Diversity program, CCIM Institute offers participants an opportunity to apply for tuition discounts on the four designation courses. These courses, which are of college graduate level, address Financial Analysis (CI 101), Market Analysis (CI 102), User Decision Analysis (CI 103) and Investment Analysis (CI 104). Participation in these classes also gives students tremendous networking opportunities.

There are a total of 150 tuition discounts awarded for the CI 101 Course. There are an additional 150 tuition discounts available for the CI 102, CI 103 and CI 104 courses.

Students pay the discounted rate of $825 for any designation course offering (full value $1,395). This is a savings of $520.

NOTE: You must be a member of the CDEP program to qualify.

CCIM Education Foundation Scholarships Available

In addition the CI-Intro Tuition and the CCIM Designation Course Education Tuition Discounts, the CCIM Education Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to deserving students. For more information, please visit their website.

NOTE: Deadlines for most of the Education Foundation scholarships is June 30th.

“I have completed all four CCIM courses. Taking these courses was the best investment of time and money I could have committed to my career. The courses challenged me and opened my eyes to all of the opportunities available as a practitioner, advisor and investor. I encourage all who want to offer the best service and expertise to their customers and clients to take the courses. Their bottom line will also see a positive impact as well. I look forward to sitting for and passing the exam this year to receive my designation.”

“I have been interested in pursuing the CCIM designation for several years. However, it was not until I discovered the Cultural Diversity Education Program [that] my dream start[ed] to become a reality. Not only does CDEP motivate professionals from diverse backgrounds to join the CCIM community, [but] it provides the educational and career development needed to become successful in the commercial real estate industry. This program has helped lay a solid foundation in many aspects of my career. I honestly believe that I would not be moving as quickly towards obtaining the CCIM designation if it were not for the support of the CDEP.”

“Becoming a CCIM candidate is already proving to be an outstanding career move for me. I come away from each course with the ability to immediately apply what I have learned. That is what sets the CCIM Institutes curriculum, educators and resources apart. I highly recommend to anyone that is committed to excellence in any area of the Commercial Real Estate Industry to give CCIM a spin. I’m glad that I did.”

“I’ve gained valuable knowledge and contacts that I will use throughout my career and I look forward to earning the CCIM designation.”

“The CCIM Cultural Diversity Education Program empowers minorities who are interested in a career in commercial real estate from user-decision analysis to market analysis. The designation assembles a vast amount of resources and information that contribute to your business acumen and technological skills."

“I’ve been in commercial real estate for two years and credit the CCIM Cultural Diversity Education Program for advancing my learning curve substantially. The class and instructor provided a literal introduction to the commercial real estate discipline and allowed me to define a niche to pursue. Since the class I’ve managed to apply many of the strategies [I learned]. All told, my pipeline includes about $24 million in development projects and listings. I’d advise anyone [who] is interested in making the transition and leap of faith into commercial real estate to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. I do plan on pursuing the CCIM designation.”

"The CCIM Introduction to Commercial Investment Real Estate Analysis is fundamental for commercial real estate professionals. It is a fresh review and lined with anecdotes from the instructor’s experience, drawing a practical viewpoint and immediate relevance. My instructor was an excellent communicator and utilized the CCIM curriculum to lay the groundwork for a solid foundation in financial analysis. Furthermore, committed participation in the CCIM institute opens up a wealth of knowledge and vast network of seasoned professionals."

“I attended the CCIM Intro course a couple of months ago at my broker's recommendation, and it was not just the most practical, complete and up-to-date education out there, but [it was] also a fantastic networking opportunity. Highly recommended!” 

“The program gave me the confidence to join CCIM and the ambition to finish in one year. I hope more people of color earn the designation.”

“I attended the training in Pleasanton, Calif., and [it] was a great experience. The instructor was professional and actually worked in the industry. All the other students were a pleasure to be around. Everyone came to learn and we did. There was a huge amount of knowledge in a short time. The homework was enlightening and the classroom location was top notch. I am planning another course in the near future. I would recommend this course to anyone.”

“I have taken CI 101 and will be taking CI 104 in November. I anxiously look forward to obtaining my CCIM designation and focusing on expanding my commercial real estate career!”

"Great class! Especially helpful for people who don’t have a financial degree/background. Great networking opportunity! I highly encourage minorities to take advantage and participate in this program. With the globalization of the economy, minorities — especially those who came from other countries – have a unique [opportunity] to participate in this cross-border age."

What the Media is Saying

Commercial Investment Real Estate - May/June 2009
A Cultural Diversity Education Program graduate leverages her multicultural background to build a niche business.

Real Estate New York - March 2008
30 Under 30 for 2008
The best and the brightest of New York Metro commercial real estate's next generation. Gashar Dixon is part of the CCIM Cultural Diversity Education Program.

Commercial Investment Real Estate - March/April 2007
Come Together
An article about Founder & CCIM Instructor Byron Smith, CCIM. Smith helps equalize the industry playing field.

Business Journal Serving the Greater Triad Area, April 18, 2005
“For example, the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) Institute created the Cultural Diversity Task Force in 2002. As part of that task force, the institute created scholarships for minorities interested in commercial real estate to attend introductory classes. About 400 people have attended those introductory classes through the scholarship program," says Edward Bury, the director of public relations for the Institute.

Wall Street Journal, October 22, 2003
“This summer, CCIM Institute, a Chicago accreditation body for commercial real estate, waived its $845 tuition for minorities to two-day seminars…”

Tampa Bay Business Journal, February 13, 2004
“Despite the growing ethnic diversity of American society, minorities working as commercial real estate brokers are in short supply, representing perhaps 1 percent of the 125,000 commercial brokers nationwide. Now a prestigious program is trying to boost those numbers through a series of classes across the country that aims to bring more minorities into the demanding field.”