Olympia Development of Michigan, Related Companies and Project Destined Expand Student Internship Opportunities to Include Wayne State University Students

• Program Builds Upon Successful Partnership Offering Commercial Real Estate Internships to Detroit Public Schools Community District High School Students  

Olympia Development of Michigan and Related Companies have expanded their work with Project Destined to offer a commercial real estate internship program for Wayne State University students. This builds on the companies’ previous Project Destined internships for Detroit Public Schools Community District high schoolers and demonstrates their ongoing commitment to providing educational opportunities for Detroiters and engaging the community.

“Working in real estate development allows young Detroiters to positively impact their community directly and we are very proud to help teach these students how to do that,” said Cedric Bobo, CEO and Co-Founder of Project Destined.

Project Destined was launched in Detroit in 2016 with a focus on increasing the number of diverse owners and leaders in the commercial real estate industry. The social impact platform, now active across 20 markets, partners with corporations, schools and non-profits to train students in the fundamentals of commercial real estate. Students learn through immersive sessions where they analyze live deals with experienced architects, contractors, bankers, developers, and others.

“Project Destined is helping to diversify real estate development, and we’re proud to support experiential internships like this that truly open the aperture for students, showing them how much is available to them in the field,” said Rian English Barnhill, Olympia Development vice president of government and community affairs.

“To watch the Wayne State team develop and win, through Project Destined’s model of train, compete, and grow is inspiring,” said Ryan Friedrichs, Vice President of Development at Related Companies. “The confidence, skills, and networks these students as future Detroit leaders build are assets not only for them but for our whole community.

”Wayne State University Provost Mark Kornbluh said of the program, “One of the great advantages of attending Wayne State University is the opportunity for our students to get hands-on, real-world experience through internships with companies like Olympia Development and Related Companies. Project Destined has opened our students’ eyes to the exciting opportunities they can pursue to help grow and transform our city, and the knowledge and skills they’ll need to do so. We are grateful for this partnership.

”Wayne State students who participated in the internship have expressed excitement about the real-world experience gained through the program.

“I’ve gained knowledge, skills and exposure to the commercial real estate industry that I didn’t have before! Seeing firsthand the investment that Related and Olympia are making in Detroit, and specifically The District Detroit, makes me excited for the future,” said Brittany McGee, a Wayne State University Junior. “Project Destined is preparing me to recognize opportunities of real estate ownership in Detroit and has helped me to develop relationships towards potentially stepping into roles with firms like Related and Olympia that are interested in new talent. I’m thankful that Project Destined has provided this opportunity and looking to take full advantage of the experience.”

“Olympia Development and Related Companies, along with Project Destined, helped us see where our talents could take us and brought us closer to the spirit of Detroit. Many of us live in this city and partake in its revitalization already, but with Olympia and Related, they gave us a front row seat to the process,” said Althea Robbert, a Wayne State University Senior.

“Sharing their goals for the city as it relates to culture and growth included us in the discussion and empowered us as students to take our next steps in an impactful way. Project Destined ignites the passion students have for real estate and directs them toward authenticity, growth, and opportunity.”