Mission Possible’s Youth Real Estate Academy empowers Flint youth with tools for future opportunities

FLINT, Michigan — More than 50 local youth gathered at the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library on Saturday, July 26, for the first-ever Youth Real Estate Academy, an interactive, hands-on program designed to introduce real estate and property-focused careers to youth ages 14 to 25.

Hosted by Mission Possible, the all-day experience offered students a chance to explore careers like agent, investor, architect, appraiser, and contractor while learning real-world money skills such as understanding credit, analyzing property listings, and assessing financing options.

The event was made possible with support from a group of community sponsors, including Michigan Motor Mall, Choice One Bank, Shea Automotive Group, The Williamson Foundation, DiClemente Siegel Design Inc., and Smith Fisher Real Estate Group. Their support helped ensure the event was free for all participants, with lunch, hands-on activities, guest speakers, and raffle prizes throughout the day.

“The Youth Real Estate Academy is a one-day, hands-on class that demystifies real estate for young people,” said Gianna Oliver, Program Manager. “Flint is full of young talent and geniuses. Our teens and young adults are already entrepreneurial; they just need a clear map and supportive adults who’ll open doors.”

The day featured interactive workshops, breakout sessions, and a standout design activity where students built miniature cities using just staples — part of an architectural design class that sparked creativity and collaboration.

“What stood out the most was how present and engaged the students were,” Oliver said. “They weren’t just listening; they were processing the information in real time and asking how they could apply it right now in their own lives.”

Stephanie Brooks Eagle, one of the featured speakers, brought years of professional experience and a passion for homeownership to the room, encouraging youth to imagine themselves not just as renters or workers, but as decision-makers and owners in their own communities.

“Our biggest hope was confidence,” said Oliver. “Confidence to ask questions, confidence to price a home and actually understand it, and confidence to imagine themselves in a career or ownership role.”

Given the overwhelmingly positive response, organizers are already planning what’s next.

“We’re planning to make the Youth Real Estate Academy an annual event,” Oliver said. “We also want to expand it, adding an adult real estate bootcamp so families can learn together, and a Youth Architect Academy for younger kids. The long-term goal is to build a full pipeline from early exposure to mentorship, and eventually real internships or certifications.”

Interested in Next Year’s Academy? Community members and families who want to be notified about next year’s event can complete the interest form here: https://bit.ly/4m880vK