<p><span class="p-body">The NYCHA Real Estate Scholars Program is a six-week initiative by NYU’s Schack Institute of Real Estate and the Public Housing Community Fund that introduces NYCHA residents to careers in real estate through college-style courses taught by industry professionals. Participants explore topics like development, finance, sustainability, and property management, gaining hands-on experience and a certificate of completion.</span></p>
Courses Offered
<p><ul class='p-list'>
<li><span class="p-body">Real Estate History</span></li>
<li><span class="p-body">Design and Development Strategies</span></li>
<li><span class="p-body">Real Estate Underwriting Metrics</span></li>
<li><span class="p-body">Project Sustainability and Feasibility</span></li>
<li><span class="p-body">Property and Asset Management</span></li>
<li><span class="p-body">Real Estate Valuations</span></li>
</ul>
</p>
Customization
<p><span class="p-body">The NYCHA Real Estate Scholars Program was uniquely customized to meet the needs of both high school students and adult NYCHA residents, offering age-appropriate, beginner-level coursework with no prior experience required. Classes were held on Saturdays to accommodate busy schedules and included interactive site visits across New York City for hands-on learning. Participants also received a stipend and a certificate from NYU, making the program both accessible and rewarding.</span></p>
Participants
<p><span class="p-body">The Program hosted both a youth cohort of 10th–12th grade students and an adult cohort (ages 18+) of public housing residents.</span></p>
I had an amazing experience in the scholars program and learned so much about real estate and everything that goes into building development. My professors were incredible and very supportive. I’ll definitely carry what I’ve learned about the industry when considering career paths.” -Andre Samuel, 11th-grade student from the Thomas Jefferson Houses in East Harlem, Manhattan
Program Goals
<p><span class="p-body">The goal of the NYCHA Real Estate Scholars Program is to empower public housing residents by providing early exposure to real estate education and career pathways. Through immersive, college-style courses and mentorship from industry professionals, the program aims to build leadership skills, spark interest in the real estate field, and create equitable access to one of New York City’s most influential industries.</span></p>
Program Highlights
<p><span class="p-body">Highlights of the NYCHA Real Estate Scholars Program include hands-on instruction from real estate professionals, immersive site visits across New York City, and a curriculum covering development, finance, sustainability, and property management. Participants gained real-world insights through engaging, college-style courses tailored for both youth and adults. Additionally, each graduate received a $250 stipend and an NYU SPS certificate, celebrating their achievement and readiness to explore careers in real estate.</span></p>
Program Outcomes
<p><span class="p-body">The NYCHA Real Estate Scholars Program equipped participants with foundational knowledge in development, finance, sustainability, and property management, all taught by industry professionals. Graduates received a certificate from NYU SPS, a $250 stipend, and gained real-world experience through site visits across New York City. The program fostered leadership, built professional confidence, and opened pathways to future careers in real estate for NYCHA residents.</span></p>
