West Los Angeles College has been awarded a $100,000 grant from Wells Fargo to launch a groundbreaking real estate appraiser education program this Fall. This is a first-of-its-kind, Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers (BREA)-approved program that provides aspiring appraisers with an innovative pathway to licensure without the traditional supervisory requirement.
Students will engage directly with licensed appraisers and gain exposure to real-world property appraisal assignments.
The new program offers a structured, classroom-based alternative to the conventional one-on-one apprenticeship model, creating greater access for students from all backgrounds. Real estate appraisal has historically faced challenges in attracting and retaining talent, in part due to reliance on hard-to-access mentorship models. West’s program is among the first in California to offer an alternative, competency-based pathway to licensure, expanding opportunities for those previously shut out by traditional entry points. Additionally, some students may qualify for course credit for prior learning.
“We are deeply grateful to Wells Fargo for their investment in our students and in the future of the appraisal profession,” said WLAC Dean, Dr. Carmen Dones. “This grant helps us create a more inclusive and equitable pathway into an industry that is vital to fair housing, lending, and economic opportunity.”
According to the Department for Labor, “Employment of property appraisers and assessors is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations.” Salary.com reports that appraisers in Los Angeles typically earn between $76,000 – $104,000 per year.
The lead instructor for this new program is Professor Chantal Grayson, a long-time real estate broker and author. Grayson draws from her vast experiences to bring real world knowledge to the in-person and online classroom. She is also an accomplished entertainment entrepreneur who co-founded the award-winning internet radio station GH3 Radio.
Free information sessions will be held via Zoom on October 13 and November 11. Get more information at WLAC.edu/Westweek.
