On the Rise
Training emerging professionals
The Program Curriculum
The Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Industry is a dynamic field with enormous potential for talented students interested in designing, building and managing beautiful spaces all over the globe. Historically, this industry has not been accessible to professionals with diverse backgrounds. That means it hasn’t been accessible to students, either – and as a result, we’ve missed out on incredible young talent. The On the Rise Program is designed with this in mind.
This 9-week training program introduces talented BIPOC youth to the world of CRE with classes specific to careers that often require a college education, like design or project and facilities management, as well as careers that don’t. These classes will be accompanied by panels led by top professionals in CRE, including architects, interior designers, furniture manufacturers, and more. Students will achieve a thorough understanding of the skills and tools required to start their journey into our industry with an exciting career.
General / Self-development
- Career Panel + Round table
- Floor Plans, Dimensions Basics, Site Verifications
- How to Build and Nourish a Network
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Mental Health, Self-care, Work-Life Balance
- Leadership Development
- End of Course Exhibition and Exhibition Preparation
Design Track
- Hand Drawing and Sketching
- Workplace Research Overview
- Color Theory and Materiality
- Art and Layout
- Phases of Design, Drawing and Specification
- Full-Day Workshop with Local Furniture Manufacturer
- Environmental Impact & Inclusive Design
- Design School Visit
Project Management & Facility Management Track
- A Day in the Life of a FM & Workplace Strategist
- A Day in the Life of a PM
- A Day in the Life of a Broker, Developer & Banker
- SCRUM Methodology
- Installation and Punch Walks
- Site Walk and Panel with GC, PM, FM
Technical Track
- Intro to Tools & Safety
- Basic Carpentry
- Systems
- HVAC & Refrigeration Mechanics
- Basic Plumbing
- Buildings and Digital Systems
- Microsoft Suite Training, Site Walk and Panel Discussion
- Thermal Energy Site Walk and Panel
Celebrating a successful cohort!
We are proud to congratulate five graduates of our most recent program. Three of the participants have moved forward into paid industry internships. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the volunteer instructors for our most recent cohort, all of whom put so much passion and investment into this and represented the following organizations:
- Microsoft
- CBRE
- Expedia Group *Program Internship Host
- Gensler *Program Internship Host
- OpenSquare *Program Internship Host
- Helix Design Group
- Interior Architects
- KW Commercial
- Mary Keeney Designs
- One Workplace
- Port of Seattle
- Seneca Group
- Skanska
- Steelcase
- Steph Palmer Design
- Studio Pacifica
- Tenor Eng
- Westlake Consulting Group
Volunteers: we are looking for you!
Volunteering can be a rewarding and impactful experience for both volunteers and the youth we serve. By providing mentorship and support, you can help level the playing field for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students and give them the knowledge they need to succeed. Not only will you be making a difference in their lives and in the community, but we’ll also have the opportunity to learn from them while helping diversify the industry with their fresh and unique perspectives.
We’re looking for CRE professional volunteers who:
- Are passionate about helping BIPOC high school students be exposed to and supported within the CRE industry
- Are knowledgeable about Design, Project Management/Facility Management, and/or Tech Trades
- Are available for classes held in Fall/Winter 2024 with a time commitment of 1.5-4 hours (location will be provided)
- Will be supported in developing content for the class