Overview
LISC Milwaukee oversees the Associates in Commercial Real Estate (ACRE) program. This initiative works in strong partnerships with the Center for Real Estate at Marquette University, the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to ensure a multi-disciplinary academic experience for ACRE participants. The primary objective of the ACRE program is to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within the commercial real estate industry. LISC strives to empower ACRE participants by equipping them with the essential skills, tools and resources to create wealth and make a positive impact on the social and physical landscape of neighborhoods.
Mission
The ACRE program is an initiative dedicated to providing access, support and opportunity for professionals of color in the commercial real estate (CRE) industry. The program aims to empower individuals who are looking to enter or advance their careers in CRE. Through ACRE, students have the chance to deepen their understanding of various CRE segments, including development, property management, planning, finance, and construction management. Alongside academic and industry education, participants have the unique opportunity to cultivate a strong network of fellow ACRE alumni, industry experts, and community stakeholders, ensuring a valuable support system throughout their CRE journey.
ACRE is an approximately 26-week commercial real estate program that combines industry-leading content and real-world education as a platform for supporting the next generation of socially responsible real estate professionals able to contribute tangible and lasting benefits to the community. The curriculum’s multidisciplinary approach focuses on participants understanding the fundamentals of key real estate segments: finance, design, construction management, and property management. It also features access to related trainings, industry speakers, and networking events.
History
ACRE was established in 2004 by Dr. Mark Eppli, while he was at Marquette University, with the generous support of The Mandel Group, Bader Philanthropies, and many other industry partners. Over the years, the program has successfully graduated over 300 professionals of color, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to make significant impacts in the commercial real estate industry. The program's reach now extends beyond Milwaukee and Wisconsin, with ACRE alumni making their mark across the United States. Thanks to the ongoing support of its partners, ACRE continues to expand and empower professionals of color and create opportunities for their success in the CRE field.