The Real Estate Investment Society has established the scholarship program to encourage and support students interested in commercial real estate and related professions. A permanent scholarship fund with Florida Gulf Coast University was established in 1999 with a $10,000 endowment. In 2011 it was named the Paul Sands Memorial - REIS Scholarship in memory of REIS member and governor Paul Sands. A portion of proceeds from the annual Paul Sands Memorial Slaw Dog invitational golf tournament are added to the scholarship fund each year. 

In 2006, REIS also established the REIS Scholarship Foundation, a not-for-profit, registered 501(c)3 corporation that provides an opportunity to make charitable donations for college scholarships. REIS provides management of the Foundation, allowing 100% of donations to be awarded as scholarships. Information:  Kent Poli, 239.689.7174, REIS Scholarship Chair.

Please see below for information regarding:

• How to Contribute
• Eligibility criteria of the REIS Foundation Scholarship program
• Application Information
• Past REIS Scholarship Foundation Awardees
• Past FGCU Scholarship Awardees

Criteria
The following criteria will be applied to evaluate eligible candidates for scholarship awards:

1. The purpose is to provide scholarship funds for students attending the participating institution who have an interest in a career associated with the real estate industry. Areas of study can include landscaping; engineering; real estate; appraisal; legal; accounting; development; insurance; etc.
    
2. Limit of $2,500 to be awarded to any student during a specific calendar year. A student may receive a scholarship award of up to $2,500 for four consecutive years. Funds are paid directly to the institution on behalf of the scholarship recipient, not to the individual.
    
3. Minimum grade point average shall be 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
    
4. Financial need shall be considered.
    
5. Recommendations from faculty members will also be considered, but are not required.
    
6. Preferential consideration shall be given to local and regional residents.
    
7. A recipient will attend one of the Real Estate Investment Society's (REIS) monthly meetings (at no cost) for the purpose of recognition and meeting the organization's members.
    
8. A candidate must submit a one-page essay with their application outlining why he/she should be considered for a scholarship of this nature and how it would benefit him/her.
    
9. Scholarship awards are intended for tuition and course books and materials.
    
10. The recipient will become an honorary member of the Real Estate Investment Society (REIS) during the scholarship period and be eligible to attend any and all monthly meetings and functions (at no cost) on the same basis as any dues paying member.

Applying for Scholarships
Information on applying for REIS Foundation scholarships is available from:

Florida Gulf Coast University (www.fgcu.edu)
Karie Seilberger
(239) 590-1060

Contributing to the Scholarship Programs
Make checks payable to:

REIS Scholarship Foundation, Inc.
c/o Kent Poli
P.O. Box 86
Fort Myers, Florida 33902-0086

Credit cards may be entered on our secure Donations form.

For additional information, contact Kent Poli, 239.689.7174.

Past Awardees of REIS Scholarships