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Path to Opportunity Scholarship Program

The Path to Opportunity Scholarship supports aspiring leaders dedicated to making a lasting impact in real estate finance. It is open to all individuals committed to driving innovation, inclusion, and excellence for an equitable future.

APPLY

Application deadlines have recently been updated. Please see the "Applications Deadline" section below for upcoming dates. For questions about your application or the program, contact our team.

DONATE

Support professional growth by donating to the Path to Opportunity Scholarship Fund. Your donation funds scholarships that empower emerging leaders to advance their education and careers in real estate finance.

 

Application Deadlines for 2025/2026 

Applications must be received by 11:59 pm ET by the following dates listed below: 

  • September 2, 2025
  • December 1, 2025
  • March 2, 2026
  • June 1, 2026
  • September 1, 2026
  • December 1, 2026

 

Application Requirements 

Applicants must complete a short online application and submit the following materials:

  • Resume
    Provide a current resume highlighting your education, work experience, and any relevant extracurricular involvement or leadership activities.
  • Personal Statement (no more than 1,000 words) that answers the following:
    • What is your primary reason for pursuing this scholarship?
    • Describe your professional goals/career objectives: what motivates you to pursue a career in real estate finance, and how you plan to contribute to the industry's advancement. Emphasis should be placed on your potential to strengthen the industry through leadership, inclusion, service, and innovation.
    • How will you leverage the skills developed through the desired course or program of interest to further your career in pursuit of those objectives?
    • If you are pursuing an additional award beyond your first scholarship, how have you leveraged the knowledge and experience gained through your prior participation in the program to advance your career, and how will another scholarship award further your advancement? 
  • Letter of Recommendation (no more than 500 words) that answers the following:
    • Why do you feel this individual is a strong candidate for the scholarship?
    • How does this individual demonstrate both a sincere desire to advance and leadership skills consistent with your company’s approach to management?
    • The letter of recommendation must be from a current MBA member from one of the following categories:
      • Your current supervisor
      • A manager or leader from your current company (at an equivalent or higher level than your current supervisor)
      • A current officer or leader from a State or Local Mortgage Banking/Lending Association

    Eligbility 

    This scholarship is open to industry professionals pursuing opportunities within real estate finance. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

    You must also be currently employed by an MBA member firm or a state MBA member firm that is current on its dues with the MBA.

    You must have worked a minimum of two (2) years in the real estate/mortgage finance industry, or have broad experience in a related field with some focus in real estate finance, or have a post-high school education related to the real estate finance industry, to include training to obtain a license, company-sponsored training, or MBA or other professional education. 

    Review & Evaluation Process and Timeline

    Once a complete application is received, it will be reviewed by the Scholarship Award Task Force. The task force reviews applications and makes awards every quarter, based on the availability of scholarship funds. The quarterly deadline for applications is the first business day of the last month of the quarter (i.e., March, June, September, December). Only applications for candidates who meet the eligibility criteria above will be reviewed. Applications will not be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Individuals can receive up to three (3) awards during their careers, with no more than one award provided per calendar year.  

    By the last business day of the third month of the quarter (i.e., June 30th for Q2), applicants will be notified via email of the outcome of the application review. If you are not awarded a scholarship, you may reapply at any time. If you are awarded the scholarship, the email will contain instructions on how to use your scholarship. To better understand those being served by the program, the MBA may also conduct optional follow-up surveys of award recipients. A complete application will be evaluated on the strength and content of the personal statement and letter of recommendation equally.

    MBA Qualified Courses or Program Selection

    When selecting your MBA course or program, please consider the quarterly review and evaluation process and the current application deadlines highlighted above.

    We cannot guarantee that you can register for your preferred course or program if the dates do not align within these timelines. If your preferred choice is near the application or notification deadline(s), please consider submitting an alternative option on your application.    

    Accepted applicants may use their education funds on any of the following:


    Professional Certificates & Designations

    This program is part of MBA’s commitment to attracting and developing industry talent and serves one of the core tenants of the MBA’s mission, including but not limited to the purposes of “meet[ing] the educational needs of the real estate finance industry by making available a range of educational products and services [and], developing more efficient mechanisms for their delivery, and perform[ing] such other activities, consistent with the Association’s tax-exempt status, as are necessary and appropriate to achieve the foregoing;” Article III, Sections (e) and (i) of the MBA Bylaws, dated June 2025.

    Questions?

    Contact the team with any questions.

    Scholarship Flyer

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