CREA Foundation, Inc. has created two, renewable scholarships for UConn students interested in studying commercial real estate, and they include bonus opportunities to set them up for success.

“We’re excited and eager to partner with CREA to introduce more students to the real estate industry,’’ said David Wharmby, director of the Center for Real Estate and Urban Economic Studies at UConn. “This gift will ensure that they are not just career-ready but have solid work experience in the industry.’’

Open to rising juniors, CREA Foundation will award a $10,000 renewable scholarship for two students majoring or minoring in real estate. CREA Scholars will also have the opportunity to have an internship with CREA, LLC or local partners, and will have a CREA mentor to answer questions and offer guidance. Scholarship applications are now open and will be awarded in late summer.

CREA has created similar programs with Indiana University, Indianapolis, and California State University, Northridge, and they are going exceptionally well, said UConn alumnus and CREA CEO Tony Bertoldi ’89. He said he and his team are excited to welcome a new generation of industry experts, engage with them, and help them find their career path.

“We want to improve the pipeline of talent coming into our business,’’ he said. “When we’re in the interview process, I look for applicable experience. It’s a great advantage to have that exposure beyond the classroom.’’

CREA is a national tax-credit syndicator, working with developer and investor partners to create affordable housing. Its Foundation supports access to higher education and introductory work experiences.

“Tony has hired lots of our graduates and knows they have the skills to succeed and contribute right away,’’ Wharmby said.

“I had a great experience at UConn,’’ said Bertoldi, who has served as a guest speaker in real estate courses and is a serial UConn donor. A recent trip back to campus reignited his enthusiasm. “I saw the opportunity to do something meaningful for UConn.’’

“It’s a fantastic gift,’’ Wharmby said. “I think real estate offers a really exciting, broad, diverse career opportunity. Not a lot of students know about it until they get to college. With these scholarships, we’re exposing the industry to a broader set of students.’’