Scholarships
mary dee karp memorial scholarship program
Established in 2010, the Mary Dee Karp Memorial Scholarship honors our past president's legacy of leadership and service to Northern California's commercial real estate community. Created with matching funds from the CCIM Foundation, this endowed scholarship continues her commitment to developing the next generation of industry leaders.

2026 Scholarship Cycle
Applications Open: May 1, 2026
Application Deadline: October 31, 2026
Recipients Announced: December Holiday Celebration
Scholarships Valid For: 2027 CI Courses
Incomplete, early OR late applications will not be accepted.
Application opens May 1, 2026
AT A GLANCE
- Number of Scholarships: 3-5 scholarships awarded annually (based on available funding)
- Scholarship Value: Awards vary based on funding availability; typically $1,000 per recipient
- Reimbursement: Recipients are reimbursed after successful course completion
- Eligible Courses: CI 101, CI 102, CI 103, or CI 104
- Priority: Preference given to applicants taking CI courses offered by the NorCal CCIM Chapter
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Mary Dee Karp Memorial Scholarship, applicants must meet ALL of the following requirements:
Required Qualifications
- Active Chapter Membership: Must be a dues-paying member of the NorCal CCIM Chapter at the time of application AND remain a member in good standing throughout the entire year for which the scholarship is awarded
- Commercial Real Estate Career Commitment: Must demonstrate a clear commitment to a career in commercial real estate (see application for details)
- Course Enrollment: Must be planning to enroll in a CI 101, CI 102, CI 103, or CI 104 course during 2027
Additional Requirements for Advanced Courses (CI 103 or CI 104)
Applicants seeking scholarships for CI 103 or CI 104 must:
- Have successfully completed CI 101
- Have completed 8 hours of negotiations training (Preparing to Negotiate or Commercial Real Estate Negotiations)
- Be current Candidate Members of both the CCIM Institute and the NorCal CCIM Chapter
- Demonstrate financial need for assistance
Scholarship Award Details

How the Scholarship Works
- Reimbursement Structure: Scholarship recipients will be reimbursed by The CCIM Institute Foundation after successful completion of their course
- Award Amount: Typically $1,000 per recipient; exact amount may vary based on available funding
- Payment Method: Direct deposit to recipient's bank account via The CCIM Institute Foundation
Important Restrictions
- Cannot be applied retroactively to any course already taken
- Not redeemable for cash
- One scholarship per applicant - A scholarship will not be awarded twice to the same applicant for the same course
- Course completion required - The CCIM Foundation will not reimburse individuals for any courses already taken
-
Non-Transferrable - A scholarship cannot be transferred by the recipient
Selection Process
Who Reviews Applications?
Applications are reviewed by the NorCal CCIM Chapter Scholarship Committee, comprised of experienced CCIM Designees who volunteer their time to support the next generation of commercial real estate professionals.
Selection Criteria
The Scholarship Committee evaluates applications based on:
- Demonstrated commitment to commercial real estate career path
- Active involvement and engagement with the NorCal CCIM Chapter
- Quality and thoughtfulness of application responses
- For advanced courses: demonstrated financial need
- Recipient qualifications that align with the standards, achievements, reputation and stature of CCIM Institute professionals
Timeline
- October 31, 2026: Application deadline
- November 2026: Scholarship Committee reviews all applications
- December 2026: Official award letters sent to recipients with detailed instructions / Recipients announced at the NorCal CCIM Holiday Celebration
- 2027: Recipients enroll in and complete their chosen CI course
- Upon Course Completion: Recipients submit certificate of completion and receive reimbursement
Recipient Requirements
Scholarship recipients are expected to actively contribute to the NorCal CCIM Chapter community by:
- Committee Service: Serving on at least one Chapter committee for a minimum of one year following receipt of the scholarship
- Chapter Engagement: Maintaining active participation in Chapter events and programs
- Mentorship: Being willing to share their CCIM journey with prospective members and future scholarship applicants
This "give back" requirement helps create a sustainable cycle of support and strengthens our Chapter community.
How to Apply
Application Process
- Verify Eligibility: Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements listed above
- Confirm Membership: Must be a current, dues-paying member of the NorCal CCIM Chapter
- Complete Online Application: Click the link below to access the online application form
- Submit by Deadline: Applications must be submitted by October 31, 2026
Incomplete, early OR late applications will not be accepted.
Application opens May 1, 2026

Questions?
For questions about the scholarship program, eligibility requirements, or application process, please contact:
Delilah Brown, Executive DirectorNorthern California CCIM Chapter[email protected]

2026 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Robert Malech - Keller Williams Realty Danville
Brian Collins - Collins Commercial Real Estate
Trinh Wong - GD Commercial
Karina Bingham - JKL Construction Services
Judah Rouss - US Bank
2025 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Alisha Amorin, JP Morgan Chase - Completed CI 101 12/2025
Elamin Awadalla, Intero Commercial
Juan-Carolos Bustillos, Exit Realty Keystone
Perry Seto, Bank of Marin
Alina Siert, Haylen Real Estate Investments
Additional CCIM Foundation Scholarships
In addition to our local Mary Dee Karp Memorial Scholarships, CCIM professionals may be eligible for other scholarship opportunities:
CCIM Foundation Veterans Scholarship
- Up to $15,000 for qualifying U.S. military veterans
- Application opens: Early January annually
- Learn more: go.ccim.com/foundation-vets
CCIM Foundation Diversity Scholarship
- For members enrolled in the Cultural Diversity Education Program (CDEP)
- Must have completed CI 101
- Application opens: July/August annually
- Learn more: ccimef.org/scholarships
Additional Resources
- CCIM Institute Designation Information: www.ccim.com/education/pursue-ccim-designation
- Portfolio Guidance: Contact [email protected] or (800) 621-7027 ext. 4517
- Designation Calendar: https://www.ccim.com/education/pursue-ccim-designation/designation-calendar
The CCIM Foundation is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization. The Mission of the CCIM Foundation is to advance and foster commercial real estate education through scholarships, programs and initiatives.
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