Scholarships

Apply Now for RPA or FMA Designation Course Scholarships

As our business becomes more complex and competitive, the best job opportunities will be filled by those who have the best credentials. RPA and FMA designees earn more than 20% more than those with similar experience but who do not have a designation. With that in mind, if you are considering one of these designations as the next step in furthering your career, but you are concerned about affordability, the RPA/FMA course scholarship may be the opportune solution.

Individuals who are committed to a career in commercial real estate may apply for a scholarship to attend BOMA/Chicago offerings of courses leading to the Real Property Administrator (RPA) designation or Facilities Management Administrator (FMA). Scholarship applicants must complete the application, show financial need, and provide letters of reference.

The scholarships are awarded by the BOMA/Chicago Foundation and nominations for scholarships are made through an application process administered by the Education Committee. Applicants who meet the criteria detailed in the application form will be interviewed by the Scholarship Application Subcommittee of the BOMA/Chicago Education Committee. Scholarships are awarded for single courses and for the full designation consisting of eight courses.

Click here to learn more about and apply for the SINGLE COURSE SCHOLARSHIP

Click here to learn more about and apply for the FULL DESIGNATION SCHOLARSHIP

BOMA/Chicago’s Scholarship program was created to encourage talented professionals to consider furthering their careers in commercial property management and to provide opportunity to those who might not otherwise enroll in designation education. If this sounds like you, don’t miss the opportunity to apply for a scholarship.

If you think someone on your staff or a colleague would be a good candidate for this opportunity, be sure you tell them that course scholarships are available.

Inquiries can be sent to Lisa Bluhm, Director of Education at lbluhm@bomachicago.org.

Another RPA Designation Scholarship Opportunity is the
Reginald L. Ollie Inclusion and Outreach Scholarship (the "Ollie" Scholarship)

The Reginald L. Ollie Inclusion and Outreach Scholarship provides full tuition for candidates in groups historically underrepresented in the commercial real estate industry to achieve the Real Property Administrator (RPA) designation.

The BOMA/Chicago Foundation “Ollie” Scholarship is awarded to at least one recipient per year, includes full tuition over a three-year period to earn the RPA designation and pairs scholarship recipients with a mentor from the Diversity & Corporate Social Responsibility Committee to offer one-on-one assistance with career planning and development.  Ollie Scholarship recipients are are asked to serve as members of the Diversity & Corporate Social Responsibility Committee for at least two years.

Ollie Scholarship Eligibility & Application Process:

• 1) Applicants must belong to an underrepresented group
• 2) Have a minimum of two years of experience in the commercial real estate industry
• 3) Currently employed in the industry

Click here to download the Ollie Scholarship Application.  For more information on the benefits of the Ollie Scholarship and the RPA Designation Program, please contact Lisa Bluhm at 312-870-9612 or email lbluhm@bomachicago.org.

Click here for responses to some commonly asked questions.