A recent partnership formed between the Alabama Association of Realtors (AAR) and Alabama State University (ASU) will promote opportunities for ASU students to gain in-depth education relating to the real estate industry.

The partnership, which is a first-of-its-kind between a realtor association and a historically black college and university (HBCU), will offer students a microcredential in real estate.

According to a release, Alabama Realtors is providing a five-year financial commitment to aid in the development and implementation of the ASU/AAR program.

The wide-ranging curriculum will allow students to gain a deep understanding of all facets of real estate, which spans from lending and appraisal to building and insurance, along with other related fields. The offering will also include a homeownership education component and internship opportunities.

In a statement announcing the partnership, Alabama Realtors CEO Jeremy Walker asserted that the program would serve to promote diversity in the real estate industry.

“The goal of the program is to equip students with a deep understanding of the real estate industry as a whole, empower students with the knowledge to pursue careers in real estate-related fields, and instill the importance of homeownership,” said Walker in a release. “Together, we can work to increase diversity in real estate-related fields, promote minority homeownership, and help close the wealth gap in Alabama.”

According to Alabama Realtors president Wes Grant, a goal of the partnership is to equip students with life skills as well as industry expertise.

“We are proud to be a part of this groundbreaking program that will provide countless opportunities for students,” stated Grant. “From hands-on experience to homeownership outreach, we hope the students will walk away with skills they can use in all aspects of life, not just in their career.”