NAF’s Innovative Approach Creates Next Generation of Leaders for REITs

“What brought me to this career path is the opportunity to effect change in the lives of young people, and what NAF brings to the table is a really profound impact on students and their communities,” Butler says.

What sets NAF apart is its focus on practical experience, he explains. Students work on real-world projects, participate in internships, and connect with mentors across different industries.

“We’re igniting passion in young people by exposing them not only to a curriculum but offering real connections with professionals who are eager to pass on their knowledge and share insights into how their organizations operate,” Butler says. “Our secret sauce is giving students authentic experiences that make learning truly meaningful.”

Nationally, there are 634 NAF academies across 367 high schools, reaching more than 112,000 students. Butler says these young people are building important skills, gaining practical experience, and making connections that could lead to career opportunities they may not have otherwise discovered.

Instilling Knowledge, Addressing Industry Challenges

With the Nareit Foundation grant, NAF is creating new resources, launching an industry-focused curriculum, and introducing a KnoPro Challenge, a unique, digital work-based learning innovation.  KnoPro is an online platform where high school students around the country can sign up and compete to solve real problems for businesses and organizations, which is free of charge. Students work on these challenges, share their ideas, and receive feedback from virtual mentors, helping them build skills and experience.

This new KnoPro Challenge, “Real Estate, Real Impact: Build a REIT that Builds the Future,” is a free, month-long competition available this fall and open to all high school students. Unlike typical work-based learning opportunities, KnoPro is project-based and will reach a wide-ranging population of young people who will tackle real-world challenges facing the REIT industry.

Participants will brainstorm ways to make real estate careers and investing more accessible. For example, students can offer creative ways to invest in REITs with just $20 or identify new groups that could benefit from property investment. The goal is to spark interest in real estate and REITs and introduce students to these career paths.

REIT professionals can participate in the KnoPro Challenge, by acting as mentors or judges, or potentially implementing the strategies that come from the students’ ideas. Young people competing in the challenge will gain hands-on experience, recognition, resume credentials, and even cash prizes, while companies will benefit from fresh ideas and perspectives, Butler explains.

Stakeholder Involvement Integral to Success

NAF creates local advisory boards, which are an essential link between the classroom and businesses, Butler explains. Boards comprise business leaders, educators, and community members who help guide and shape the programs. This strong partnership, Butler explains, ensures that NAF’s programs remain relevant and responsive to the needs of today’s employers.

“These stakeholders are extremely committed to helping young people in their communities be successful,” Butler notes. “It’s the partnership among all these stakeholders that really drives the NAF design and leads to its deep impact.”