Sponsors the Appraiser Diversity Initiative
BUFFALO, NY (November 17,2021) – Solidifi today announced the launch of its Appraiser Trainee Mentorship and Scholarship Program. As part of the Program, the Company will be joining the Appraiser Diversity Initiative (ADI) as an Advisor Sponsor and In-Kind Sponsor that will provide scholarships and mentoring for new entrants to the appraisal profession
“We are thrilled to support the development and advancement of the next generation of appraisers by partnering with the ADI,” said Solidifi President Loren Cooke. “With more financial and advisor support, we can make the appraisal profession more attainable and move the industry forward by increasing appraiser diversity.”
One goal of the ADI — a collaboration between the Appraisal Institute AI), National Urban League, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — is to create relationships and partnerships with sponsors for the benefit of the ADI participants. ADI sponsors workshops and other activities to inform aspiring appraisers about the requirements to become an appraiser and the multiple career opportunities available. Through an essay competition, ADI award winners receive education scholarships for the completion of base course requirements to become an appraiser. Solidifi will award 10 appraiser trainee scholarship packages for ADI trainees to be selected following an upcoming workshop on November 18.
“Receiving the ADI scholarship and the assistance from Solidifi literally changed the future of my career,” said appraiser trainee Marcus Knight, an ADI award winner and one of the first trainees to participate in the Solidifi mentor match program. “I have direct access to the contacts at Solidifi and AI who I can reach out to at any time for guidance. I am so grateful for that support.”
“For aspiring appraisers, finding a qualified supervisor to oversee their training is often cited as a significant barrier to entry in the profession,” said Cooke. “However, more and more independent appraisers and appraisal firms on the Solidifi network are opening their doors as supervisors to trainees. Through its national network of appraisers, Solidifi has facilitated the appraiser-supervisor relationship with more than 90 trainees to date.”
About the Appraiser Diversity Initiative
The Appraiser Diversity Initiative is a collaboration between the Appraisal Institute, National Urban League, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The goals of the Appraiser Diversity Initiative are to attract diverse new entrants into the residential appraisal field, overcome barriers to entry (such as education, training, and experience requirements), and provide support to position aspiring appraisers for professional success.
Learn more about the Appraiser Diversity Initiative.
About Appraisal Institute
The Appraisal Institute is a global professional association of real estate appraisers, with nearly 17,000 professionals in almost 50 countries throughout the world. Its mission is to advance professionalism and ethics, global standards, methodologies, and practices through the professional development of property economics worldwide. Organized in 1932, the Appraisal Institute advocates equal opportunity and non-discrimination in the appraisal profession and conducts its activities in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Individuals of the Appraisal Institute benefit from an array of professional education and advocacy programs, and may hold the prestigious MAI, SRPA, SRA, AI-GRS and AI-RRS designations. Learn more at www.appraisalinstitute.org.
