Recognizing that its members deserve leaders who are knowledgeable and well prepared, the South Carolina REALTORS® coordinates a statewide leadership training program called the SCR Leadership Academy.

Class of 2024

Through this program, SCR trains emerging REALTOR® leaders so that they may exert a positive influence on the future of SCR, their Local Boards/Associations, their industry and communities.

The participants work together in a training course of six retreats that combine presentations, group activities and project planning. Sessions include the development of leadership skills, team-building exercises, goal setting, personal profile analysis, communication, ethical decision-making…and much more.

IDENTIFY

To identify SC REALTORS® who have demonstrated leadership potential and an interest in the REALTOR® organization, it’s history and goals.

EDUCATE

To educate participants in leadership skills.

MOTIVATE

To motivate participants by increasing their awareness of real estate and association management issues and challenges and involving them in problem-solving activities on issues of current interest.

DEVELOP

To develop a network of leaders across the state that will actively work for the continued growth of the REALTOR® organization at all levels.

2025 Retreats

Session 1

January 7-8

Welcome to the SCR Leadership Academy · Charleston, SC

In this session participants will be introduced to the SCR Leadership Academy and learn its history. An overview of the class will discuss upcoming sessions, expectations/responsibilities, and class outcomes.

Participants will engage with SCR staff to discuss how SCR leads the real estate industry and the importance of a “members first” mentality when proposing statewide initiatives. Active association leaders will also attend to talk about the importance of serving, and why they serve their association.

Participants will get to know their fellow classmates through team-building exercises and learn about leadership communications through a class on professionalism, business etiquette, and polishing your skills.

Session 2

February 4-6

SCR Capitol Conference & RPAC Major Investor event – How SCR Leads Real Estate at the Statehouse · Columbia, SC

Leadership Academy attendees will attend the Capitol Conference Major Investor event and the Legislative Reception on February 4th to learn about the importance of contributing to RPAC while experiencing the SCR advocacy world.

On February 5th the group will attend SCR’s Capitol Conference to learn more about SCR advocacy efforts and importance of investing in RPAC. The class will be announced and recognized at the conference with reserved tables.

On February 6th, the class will visit the South Carolina Statehouse for a behind the scenes look at SCR’s lobbying efforts and how to effectively communicate real estate issues to elected officials.

After visiting the Statehouse, participants will tour the SCR Office and hear from leadership about their own leadership journey.

Session 3

March 11-12 or April 8-9

South Carolina Real Estate Commission Board Meeting & Meet SCR Staff · Columbia, SC

Participants will come to Columbia the night before a Real Estate Commission Board meeting and gather at SCR to tour the building and meet SCR staff.

The following day, students will attend the South Carolina Real Estate Commission board meeting and be introduced to SCR’s VP of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, Austin Smallwood, the Real Estate Commission Chair, and LLR staff.

Session 4

May 6-8

NAR Advocacy update in DC & Hill visits · Washington, DC

Participants will receive updates from NAR advocacy groups and learn about what’s going on in the economy during the housing market update; legal affairs update. Students will also get an RPAC overview, hear from a government advocacy panel, and learn about State and Local programs. After the NAR sessions conclude, students will go to the Hill to meet a South Carolina Representative and tour the Capitol.

Session 5

August 5-6

Communicating Effectively: Spokesperson Training · Greenville, SC

Whether you’re preparing for media interviews, public speaking engagements, or internal communications, this course is designed to elevate your skills and boost your confidence. Learn to craft compelling messages, handle challenging questions with poise, and engage your audience effectively. Our expert trainer provides personalized feedback and hands-on practice in a supportive environment, ensuring you leave equipped with the tools and techniques to shine as a spokesperson.

Session 6

September

Building Your Legacy: Taking the Next Steps in Your Leadership Journey · Columbia, SC

Participants will attend SCR’s new Legal Conference and graduate in front of your peers. Everyone is unique and has their own goals and definition for success. The final session of the Leadership Academy focuses on next steps and future goals of each participant. After being exposed to SCR’s expectations of leadership and the internal workings of the association at the national level, each leadership participant will be asked to critically analyze their next steps within the association.

Virtual Sessions Requirement

Virtual SCR Board Meeting/SCR Executive Committee/SCR Committee Meeting

Participants will attend a virtual SCR Board meeting and SCR Executive Committee meeting and choose to attend one other committee meeting from the following list:

Grievance Committee
Professional Standards Committee
Legal Action Committee
Standard Forms Committee
Legislative Committee
South Carolina Community Alliance
Finance Committee
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council

Thanks for your interest in the SCR Leadership Academy. We are no longer accepting applications for 2025.

Please note: You may only apply for ONE of the following scholarships. Please DO NOT apply for both.

Diversity Scholarship

Mission Statement

The Diversity Leadership Academy scholarship exists to create and sustain an inclusive culture at South Carolina REALTORS® (SCR) that embraces diversity in leadership positions. This scholarship seeks to acknowledge inequities and barriers to securing leadership positions within the organization and eliminate potential cost barriers for qualified recipients. This scholarship honors Realtors who seek to become leaders and use their diverse perspective to address inequities and underrepresentation in real estate.

What will the scholarship include?

Up to five (5) Realtors will be selected to have their full tuition covered. Currently the tuition is $1500 per student.

Eligibility

Must be a primary member of SCR (in good standing)
Must complete leadership academy application
Must answer two essay questions
Must provide a letter of recommendation

YPN Scholarship