MBA's Path to Diversity Scholarship Program

The Path to Diversity Scholarship Program recognizes existing industry professionals seeking to advance their careers through continuing education. Recipients receive a voucher to cover course registration fees, up to a maximum of $2,000, for popular MBA Education courses and designation programs, and select MBA conferences. This education opportunity is designed to support employees from diverse and traditionally under-represented backgrounds to advance their professional growth and career development.

Scholarships awarded under the Path to Diversity program can also be used towards six upcoming MBA Conferences where attendees can obtain Continuing Professional Education (CPE), Continuing Legal Education (CLE), or Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) credits. For the complete list of eligible MBA Conferences, see the qualified listing of courses and programs below.

MBA recognizes that a strong, responsible, and sustainable real estate finance industry requires a workforce that reflects our society.

Congratulations to the Path to Diversity Scholarship recipients who received funds during our 2023 Fiscal Year (from October 2022 - September 2023)!

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CMBs Give Back

The Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) Society is an elite group that has achieved the highest level of professional success. CMB Society members are committed to advancing our industry, which includes giving to the Path to Diversity Scholarship Fund to build a more diverse workforce.

Contribute to the CMB to P2D Giving Campaign

Application Requirements and Eligibility

A completed application requires a resume, personal statement, and a letter of recommendation from a current MBA member in one of the following groups:

Supervisor/Organization Leadership
CMB (specifically for CMB applicants)
National Association of Minority Mortgage Bankers of America (NAAMBA)
State/Local MBA
Future Leaders Alumni (specifically for Future Leaders applicants)
mPact, mPower, or DEI committees (DEI Advisory Committee or Online Community)

Applicants must also meet the following criteria:

Be currently employed by an MBA member firm or state MBA member firm that is current on their dues with MBA
Has worked a minimum of two (2) years in the mortgage industry, or has broad experience in a related field with some focus in real estate finance, or has 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

Applicants from all backgrounds are welcome, and those belonging to one or more of the following traditionally under-represented groups are encouraged to identify as such on their application:

Female
LGBTQ+ Community
Non-white or bi-racial

Review Timeline and Evaluation Process

Applications are accepted on a monthly, rolling basis, subject to the availability of funds. Scholarship award amounts are based on the selected course registration. Individuals can receive up to three awards during their careers, with no more than one award provided per calendar year.

Applications received by the 15th of the month will be reviewed by MBA's Path to Diversity Scholarship Award Task Force within the same month. Applicants will receive an "Acceptance" or "Denial" email no later than 30 days after the end of the month in which the application was reviewed. If you are denied, you may reapply at any time.

A complete application will be evaluated on the strength and content of the personal statement and letter of recommendation equally. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their career trajectory and how they will contribute to the advancement of a fairer and more equitable real estate finance industry.

Applicants who are U.S. Military Veterans or persons with disabilities will receive bonus points.

Qualified Courses and Programs

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

Conferences

Human Resources Symposium (SHRM)
Regulatory Compliance Conference (CLE)
Accounting and Financial Management Conference (CPE)
Servicing Solutions Conference & Expo (CLE)
Legal Issues and Regulatory Compliance Conference (CLE)
Commercial/Multifamily Servicing & Technology Conference (CPE)

Professional Certificates & Designations

Leadership

Residential: General

Residential: Loan Production

School of Loan Origination: An Introduction to Loan Production

Residential: Loan Administration

School of Mortgage Servicing

Commercial/Multifamily

Commercial Real Estate Basics (8 available courses)

Multifamily

Why Donate?

This scholarship is fully funded by our members. It simply would not be possible without your support! Join your industry peers who are already committed to supporting this important scholarship.

As a donor, your company will receive the following:

Company listed in scholarship fund press release
Company logo on the MBA’s Path to Diversity web page and program materials
Recognition on MBA’s social media platforms

In 2023 MBA awarded 179 scholarships totaling more than $156,000!

This program is part of MBA's commitment to promote diversity and inclusion in attracting and developing industry talent and operates in furtherance of MBA's tax-exempt purposes, including but not limited to the purposes of "meeting the educational needs of the real estate finance industry by making available a range of educational products and services, developing more efficient mechanisms for their delivery and performing 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, as amended through August 2018.

Got Questions?

Contact Amanda Haywood at (202) 557-2810.

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Scholarship Flyer

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