Celebrating the Latest Real Estate Scholars Program Grads

The NYCHA Real Estate Scholars Program celebrated its fifth year this past weekend, with 32 graduates completing the six-week initiative at New York University’s campus in Greenwich Village. A collaboration between New York University’s School of Professional Studies (NYU SPS) Schack Institute of Real Estate and the Public Housing Community Fund (PHCF), the program supported both a youth cohort of 10th–12th grade students and an adult cohort (ages 18+). Each group participated in college-style courses taught by industry professionals, designed to introduce NYCHA residents to careers in real estate. Classes began on March 21, 2026, and were held in person on Saturdays through May 9, 2026, at the NYU School of Professional Studies, complemented by site visits across New York City. 

“NYCHA Real Estate Scholars Program provides public housing residents with a unique opportunity to gain exposure to the real estate industry and learn directly from leading professionals in the field,” said Public Housing Community Fund Executive Director Alex Zablocki. “Introducing high school students to these college-level classes on NYU’s campus allows them to explore future career opportunities while helping build towards a more equitable New York City. Adults get exposure to the field, learning about real estate finance, construction, and management. We’re grateful to NYU for its continued partnership, support, and commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders.”

“The next leaders in real estate are right here in New York City. The partnership with NYCHA and the Public Housing Community Fund gives us at Schack a chance to teach the tools that make development happen and learn from a community well aware of how we can create better outcomes,” said Marc Norman, Associate Dean at NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate.

“Once again the NYCHA Scholars participants continue to amaze me with their great questions and thirst for learning. I encourage all of them to keep following their dreams wherever it takes them,” said Stephen Soler, Adjunct Professor at NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate.

“At NYCHA, we embrace and enthusiastically support job training and education programs that provide residents with an array of enriching experiences across diverse sectors,” said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “We are grateful to NYU and the Public Housing Community Fund for providing this opportunity and congratulate the graduates on their tremendous accomplishments.”  

During the six-week program, the students learned about real estate history, design and development strategies, real estate underwriting metrics, project sustainability/feasibility, property/asset management, and valuations from industry experts in a college-level course. In partnership with affordable housing developers, students visited sites across the city to meet with field experts and better understand how classroom learning is applied in real life. Upon completion of the program, participants received a $250 stipend from PHCF and a certification of completion from NYU SPS.

PHCF is committed to building a stronger and more equitable New York City, and the NYCHA Real Estate Scholars program is a key component of those efforts. As part of its Leadership Development pillar, this program offers skills-building for young adults and an opportunity to experience higher education courses in a thriving, growing industry at a world-class educational institution. PHCF, NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate, and the School of Professional Studies have continued to build on this program since its launch in 2022. PHCF is currently fundraising to scale the program and offer additional cohorts this summer and fall. 

Photos courtesy of the NYU School of Professional Studies