The Westwood Real Estate and Community Development Fellows Program prepares Ohio Wesleyan University students to become ethical, innovative leaders in real estate and community development. Through hands-on competitions, faculty-led research, specialized coursework, professional certifications, and high-impact networking and travel experiences, the program equips Fellows to be at the forefront of Central Ohio's economic evolution.
The Westwood Fellows Program blends academic rigor with professional development and experiential learning. Students progress through a cohort-based experience that includes:
Workshops introducing foundational and advanced concepts in real estate and economic development
Applied, impact-focused projects
Networking opportunities with professionals in real estate, finance, and community development
Participating in case-based competitions that test real-world problem-solving and presentation skills
Potential travel-learning experience to explore real estate and development practices in a U.S. city of interest
Westwood Real Estate and Community Development Fellows students must:
Participate consistently in all required program events and workshops
Compete in a real estate development competition, such as the Colvin Case Study Competition or an appropriate equivalent
Complete one of the following:
A relevant internship or externship
A relevant professional certification
Two approved course cognates
Students are selected for the Westwood Real Estate and Community Development Fellows Program based on:
Current OWU student
Demonstrated interest in real estate or community development
Strong academic performance and professional potential
Commitment to leadership, collaboration, and community impact
This program is open to students from all majors who meet the academic and interest-based criteria.
The Program is administered by The Woltemade Center for Economics, Business Entrepreneurship. Students' progress will be reviewed at the end of every semester by the faculty coordinator.
Applications are will open 2/16/2026
Application Deadline - 3/27/2026
For more information, please contact Destiny Coleman, Director of the Woltemade Center at dlcoleman@owu.edu.