Hipolito Roldan, President, Hispanic Housing Development Corporation (HHDC) oversees a wide range of community development activities including developing, managing and investing in affordable housing and economic development in the Latino community. In 1988, Mr. Roldan was awarded the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Fellowship for his work in community development. In 2016 Mr. Roldan and HHDC celebrated their 40th anniversary of community investment work. The Fellowship and the 40th Anniversary gifts have been dedicated to this program to give opportunities to students to obtain a graduate degree that combines academic and “hands on” experience in community development and real estate.
Student Requirements
Entry Requirements
Applicants will be required to have completed an undergraduate degree (with a minimum 3.0 average). 2-3 years real estate and or community work experience and employer support letter preferred.
Program Participation Requirements
Students will be required to maintain an overall GPA of 3.5 or better and be continuously registered in one of the real estate degree programs. The degree must be completed in two years.
Program Elements
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
Selected students will receive an annual scholarship of $5,000/ year for up to two years to complete the degree program.
Advising
Students will be assigned an advisor from the Institute to provide guidance concerning their academic choices, as well as other counseling during their studies.
Mentorships/Internships
All students are expected to participate in the Institute’s and/or HHDC’s mentoring program(s). The mentors will provide shadowing, attendance at events, exposure to the industry, and professional advice and interaction.
Industry/Student Forums
The Institute will involve the students in all of its educational and program activities. A student membership in an industry organization will be provided.
Career Evaluation
Each semester the student will have an opportunity to review career options with the industry mentor. Internships at Duke Realty, or elsewhere, will give “hands on” experience.
Industry Placement
Students will be informed of job opportunities through the Institute.
Professional Training Courses
All scholarship students under the Institute’s real estate programs are require to attend the on-site Institute training courses. The courses are free and include:
- Information/real estate technology classes
- Professional and Personal Skills – Business etiquette, presentation, networking and time management skills.
- Business writing – composition skills – composition, document organization, resume preparation, etc.
Industry Elements
Industry Forums and Events
Students will be invited to a range of industry programs hosted at the Institute. These include lectures, the annual real estate gala, and memberships in professional groups. Industry events will provide learning experiences and networking opportunities.
Career Evaluation
The Director of the Institute is always available to meet with students to review and explore career options. These meetings can include an evaluation of classes and industry events to best prepare students for placement in their chosen field.
Graduation and certificate:
Graduates from the program will receive a special certificate designating them as graduates of TOMORROWS HISPANIC LEADERS IN REAL ESTATE Program.