High school students across the United States now have the opportunity to compete for a share of $10,000 by proposing new ways to demonstrate how Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) can strengthen local communities. The Real Estate, Real Impact Challenge, launched by NAF on its free KnoPro digital learning platform and sponsored by Nareit, is open through December 7.
Students in grades 9–12 are invited to submit a three- to five-minute video pitching a product, business line, or marketing campaign that shows how investing in REITs can generate both community benefits and financial returns. The top submission will receive $5,000, the second-place entry will earn $3,000, and the third-place entry will receive $2,000.
In addition to the national prize pool, an extra $10,000 has been set aside specifically for students located in Southeast Michigan. Participants from Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Livingston, Lenawee, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Wayne, and Washtenaw counties are eligible for this separate regional funding. KnoPro participation is entirely free for all students.
Created to simulate real-world work experiences, KnoPro aims to address the gap in early career exposure for young people. Only two percent of high school students complete an internship before graduation, and KnoPro’s challenge-based projects are designed to offer internship-like experiences while allowing students to build professional skills under the guidance of industry mentors.
Since its launch in September 2023, more than 30,000 students and educators from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have used the platform. During its first year, more than 97% of participating students reported growth in key professional skills, and 95% said they discovered new career paths previously unfamiliar to them.
NAF’s own alumni data further highlights the need for skills-based programs. In a 2022 survey, 91% of former NAF students reported that the organization helped them develop the skills necessary to succeed in their careers, while 81% stated that they had identified a career interest and created a plan for their future before graduating from high school.
Founded in 1980, NAF partners with high schools and businesses nationwide to expand access to career-focused learning opportunities. More than 112,000 students are enrolled in NAF academies for the 2024–25 school year across fields such as finance, hospitality and tourism, IT, engineering, and health sciences. The organization reports a 99% graduation rate among seniors, with 90% of graduates planning to attend college.
Students can join the challenge and access details directly through the KnoPro platform.
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