Providence, RI The Greater Providence Board of Realtors’ (GPBOR) 2023 Diversity Scholarship program application period is open. Minority and other underrepresented individuals who are residents of the state of Rhode Island, have graduated from high school or its equivalent, and are serious about launching their career in real estate are encouraged to apply. Three scholarships of up to $1,500 per person will be awarded on a limited rolling basis through November 15, 2023. Recipients of these awards may use their scholarships to fund R.I. pre-licensing classes and real estate application and license fees. Applications can be downloaded at www.gpbor.realtor/diversity.

The 2022 GPBOR Diversity Scholarship recipients were Princesa Nieves, a GED graduate of Cranston Community Action Program, and Krisha Patel a senior at Highlander Charter High School in Providence.

According to a new report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), while the U.S. homeownership rate increased to 65.5% in 2021, the rate among Black Americans lags (44%), has only increased 0.4% in the last 10 years and is nearly 29 percentage points less than White Americans (72.7%).

“GPBOR is working to ensure Realtors are active leaders in the fight to close racial homeownership gaps,” said GPBOR president Rita Steele. “The Association created these scholarships to help promote diversity and increase representation within our industry.”

View NAR’s 2023 Snapshot of Race and Home Buying in America at nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/a-snapshot-of-race-and-home-buying-in-america.

The Greater Providence Board of Realtors is a chartered member Board of the National Association of Realtors. Established in 1907, it serves over 2,500 Realtors, Appraisers, and Affiliate members throughout Greater Providence. Its mission is to cultivate professionalism in our real estate businesses and communities through collaboration, resources, and advocacy.