DALLAS--Project REAP is coming to Dallas.

Beginning March 3, 2015, the New York-based organization -- whose goal is to link professionals of color to commercial real estate companies -- will offer ten weeks of classes taught by the region's industry leaders.

“REAP [real estate associate program] has long wanted to enter the Dallas market due to its explosive growth and numerous opportunities,” Gregg McCort, REAP's executive director, told GlobeSt.com. “The ability to shorten the line between the market's base of talented minority professionals to companies looking for that talent is REAP's strength. It is my hope that the industry at large supports this program and benefits from it accordingly.”

After establishing a foothold in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington, D.C. and Cleveland, REAP will make its first entry into the southwest. Dallas has been in the organization's plans for several years.

Executives from local companies including CBRE, Howard Hughes Corp., E Smith Realty Partners, Behringer and Duke Realty are involved in planning the program along with executives from the local BOMA, NAIOP, ULI and CREW chapters. Topics will range from market analysis, financial analysis, site selection, development, leasing and brokerage.

REAP is sponsored nationally by Wal-Mart Realty, McDonald's, American Express and supported by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), Urban Land Institute (ULI), BOMA, NAIOP and the National Multi Family Housing Council (NHMC).

Those interested in taking the class can find applications at www.projectreap.org. Applicants must have a four-year degree and 3 to 5 years of professional work experience post-college. Classes will be held every Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Behringer, located at 15601 Dallas Parkway. All applicants will be screened and finalists will be selected for interviews to determine the final class; tuition is $500. Real estate experience is not necessary for selection, as REAP seeks to identify candidates from across a wide spectrum of disciplines interested in a career in commercial real estate.