Twelve college students in the Dallas-Fort Worth market will be given the opportunity this summer to learn about commercial real estate via a work-based curriculum, thanks to a partnership between Stream Realty Partners and Project Destined.

Founded by Cedric Bobo, a Harvard MBA graduate and investment banker for more than 20 years, Project Destined trains high school students, college students, and military veterans to be owners and stakeholders in the communities in which they live.

The comprehensive social impact program aims to introduce diverse talent to the commercial real estate industry.

“Our partnership with Project Destined is a direct reflection of our vision for Stream nationally to change the landscape of commercial real estate,” Blake Kendrick, chief operating officer of Stream Realty Partners said in a statement. “Through this program, we hope to inspire a new generation of talented students to pursue this career path while emphasizing Stream’s core values of being smart, honest, nice, and passionate. We look forward to building meaningful relationships with our students.”

Hands-on education and mentoring

Stream and Project Destined will provide a nine-week, work-based training program to students attending The University of Texas at Dallas, Southern Methodist University, Texas A&M University, University of North Texas at Dallas, and Texas Christian University.

Through a curriculum of workshops, executive speaker series, and site visits, students will receive education in market research, property analysis, asset valuation, and deal financing, Stream said.

Also, the students will have the opportunity to participate in continuing education courses in financial modeling, investment management, capital markets, and affordable housing.

Stream said that students in the program will compete against each other in groups to present live real estate deals to industry leaders.

Project Destined students also will be matched with mentors from Stream to share their knowledge and experience in commercial real estate in weekly meetings.

Stream said that Senior Associate Patrick Cruz, Associates Hannah Hutchins and Ben Harrison, and Senior Financial Analyst Jenkins Bender will be mentors and meet weekly with their mentees.

Stream Northern Virginia Managing Director Anthony Chang and Associate Brennan Fewin will serve as competition judges.

“I’m eager to get involved with the Project Destined team this summer,” Bender said about her upcoming role as a mentor. “As I pivoted from another career path to commercial real estate, many people shared their time and expertise with me, which had a palpable impact on my career trajectory. I am excited to pay it forward and engage with future real estate leaders through Project Destined.”

Creating a culture of equity

Stream said that its partnership with Project Destined is part of its ongoing environmental, social, and governance efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion while creating a culture of equity at all levels.

Molly Robottom, SVP of recruiting at Stream, said she sees endless opportunity in the partnership with Project Destined.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to announce our partnership and corporate sponsorship with Project Destined,” Robottom said in a statement. “This incredible initiative embodies our core values of empowering and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Together, we’re dedicated to unlocking the potential of young minds and nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit.”

Project Destined was founded in 2016 and trains and educates more than 2,500 students per year from over 350 colleges and universities in 35 markets across the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, and Europe.

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