Wallin Education Partners and Ryan Companies Announce Partnership to Expand Construction Pathway

MINNEAPOLIS – (Feb. 24 2025) – Wallin Education Partners (Wallin) and Ryan Companies US, Inc. (Ryan) to announce a new partnership in the Wallin Construction Pathway, designed to support students pursuing careers in construction through Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis. As the latest partner in this initiative, Ryan will provide scholarships, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences for underrepresented students interested in construction management.

Through this collaboration, Wallin will leverage its extensive experience in providing scholarships and individualized advising to students, while Ryan will offer industry expertise, internship opportunities, and career mentorship. The program is designed to create equitable access to the construction field, ensuring that students from under-resourced communities can build successful careers while also addressing the growing needs of the labor market.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ryan Companies as a new partner in Wallin’s Construction Pathway,” said Mohamed Sallam, President and CEO of Wallin Education Partners. “This initiative aligns with our mission to empower students through education and career development. "Through partnerships like these, Wallin is building career pathways that bridge the gap between students and employers, offering the support and resources necessary to develop the next generation of leaders.”

The Ryan Scholarship through Wallin will award up to $35,000 towards a two-year program to a student starting full-time in Fall 2025 at Dunwoody and who are pursuing a degree in Construction Project Management. Ryan will provide a scholar with a full-time paid internship between their first and second year of college. Throughout the program, Ryan team members will offer mentorship and support, creating a pathway to a full-time position at Ryan upon graduation from Dunwoody.

“We’re committed to fostering the next generation of construction leaders,” said Laura Graf, Chief People and Legal Officer, Ryan Companies. “Through our partnership with Wallin Education Partners, we’re investing in students' futures by providing not only financial support but also hands-on experience and mentorship. We believe that by opening doors to careers in construction, we are strengthening both our workforce and the communities we serve.”

About Ryan Companies
Founded in 1938, Ryan Companies offers comprehensive commercial real estate services as a national developer, designer, builder, capital markets advisor and real estate manager with a focus on creating places for people to thrive. Ryan work spans a wide range of sectors and product types including healthcare, industrial, mission critical, mixed-use, multifamily, office, retail, and senior living. Built on the foundation of integrity, honesty and community, Ryan has grown to over 1,700 team members in 17 offices and has completed projects in nearly every state. For more information, visit ryancompanies.com.

About Wallin Education Partners
Wallin Education Partners (Wallin) is a leading college and career success program, supporting over 1,700 students from the Twin Cities. Wallin offers comprehensive support to under-resourced students that includes financial aid, personalized advising, and career development to empower students to navigate college and transition into successful careers. Students attend more than 80 colleges nationwide with a six-year graduation rate of 84%.  With more than 6,000 alumni, Wallin Scholars are building more equitable, diverse, and vibrant communities. To learn more, please visit wallinpartners.org.

CONTACTS
Dale Dorlin, Wallin Education Partners
[email protected]

Erica Dao, Ryan Companies
[email protected]