Affordable Housing Bridge Program to Connect College Students with Mission-Driven Real Estate Careers
BOSTON, Sept. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- National intermediary Housing Partnership Network (HPN) announced today the kickoff of the Affordable Housing Bridge Program, a collaboration to help diverse students bridge their education to real-world experience in the affordable housing industry.
The program is a strategic partnership between Project Destined, HPN and one of its members – California-based nonprofit Eden Housing, and Boston-based developer Beacon Communities that builds on the success of Project Destined's successful real estate boot camps for underrepresented youth.
The collaboration aims to empower the next generation of diverse leaders in affordable housing by providing tools, knowledge, resources, networking and exposure to prepare scholars for rewarding careers in affordable housing. It will also help sponsor organizations gain access to a rich pipeline of future talent.
Project Destined is a leading social impact platform that has deep experience partnering with schools, corporations, and nonprofits to train underserved students in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and real estate. The newly created Affordable Housing Bridge Program is an 8-week fellowship that exposes Project Destined alumni to potential career paths by connecting them virtually and in-person with nonprofit and for-profit affordable housing leaders and practitioners.
Thirty-nine student fellows were selected from a pool of over 160 Project Destined alumni. The inaugural cohort represents higher ed learning institutions from across the country including Ivy League, HCBUs, MSIs, land grant colleges, and public universities. Almost half of fellows have lived in affordable housing and almost two-thirds are female – notable as industry leadership is historically dominated by men.
HPN's new CEO, Robin Hughes, reflects, "My 35-year career leading affordable housing development and operations in California, and now helming a national network of strong, independent organizations, has been rewarding and meaningful. It brings me great joy that we are coming together to help more students of color to realize this career pathway, especially those with lived experience."
"We are thrilled to partner with HPN, Eden Housing and Beacon Communities to launch our inaugural Affordable Housing Bridge Program." said Cedric Bobo, Co-Founder of Project Destined. "The Affordable Housing Sector provides incredible opportunities to build a great career and impact your community. We are excited to partner with HPN, Eden Housing and Beacon Communities to ensure our students are ready to take on that opportunity."
The eight-week bridge program offers more than 40 hours of first-hand exposure to mentors and careers in affordable housing, including an executive speaker series with HPN, Eden Housing, and Beacon Communities leaders, as well as specialized workshops and career development and coaching sessions. Fellows will earn a $1000 scholarship and have access to a community platform to connect with other students and career opportunities across the world. Sponsor organizations help defray the cost of student participation; U.S. Bank has generously stepped up to invest in youth workforce development and underwrite Eden Housing's share.
Incoming fellow Brandon Tatis, a student at Baruch College, shared, "Today, it is almost impossible to afford rent while working above minimum wage...I want to be a part of the change that helps people of all backgrounds gain the ability to live affordably, with as little financial stress as possible. To me, the Affordable Housing Bridge Program is the best start."
Students additionally receive a travel stipend to visit their sponsor organization, tour their portfolio, meet residents, and participate in other activities such as construction management and planning meetings. After today's kickoff on Sept. 30, cohort curriculum starts Oct. 7 and concludes Nov. 18, 2022.
Media Contact
Angel Harris, Housing Partnership Network, 1 617-259-1820, [email protected]
Jill Wohl, Housing Partnership Network, 6172591832, [email protected]
SOURCE Housing Partnership Network
Share this article