Fourteen graduates proudly received their Property Management certificates this October, marking CORE Academy’s largest workforce development class to date. The graduation celebrated weeks of dedication and growth, with participants gaining new skills, confidence and direction in their career journeys.
Property management is a stable, in-demand profession that often doesn’t require a college degree but offers strong earning potential and long-term advancement. Certification gives residents the tools and credentials to step into well-paying careers within the housing industry and beyond.
CORE Academy was launched in 2022 and is taught by experts from National CORE, one of the nation’s leading developers of affordable housing. In addition to property management and property maintenance training, CORE Academy provides internships in digital media marketing and is expanding into hospitality fields.
For graduates like Ashley from Las Dahlias, the program represented more than just training; it was a second chance. Surrounded by her mom, husband, brother and a friend, Ashley shared how the experience reignited her confidence.
“I was homeless, and I didn’t know where to go or what to do. I’ve always struggled with finishing programs, but this was the first time I completed one, and now I might have a job in a few days,” she said. “This is a big step for me.”
Brian learned about CORE Academy at the Ontario Job Fair earlier this year.
“It’s a free class,” Brian said. “Nothing is free these days, and the details you learn open up so many opportunities. You don’t know what you don’t know, and this program gave me the confidence to explore new paths.”
Melissa, a resident at Corona del Rey, heard about CORE Academy from a flyer her kids found. While she already worked with the Ontario-Montclair School District, she was looking for a change. After completing the program, she gained a new appreciation for the importance of certification.
“I’m so happy I finally listened to everyone telling me to join the class,” she said. “I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a new direction, just do it!”
In addition to the maintenance graduation, CORE Academy hosted a Property Maintenance graduation on Oct. 24.
The momentum continues with the program’s first-ever Property Management graduation ceremony in San Diego on Nov. 6.
“Programs like CORE Academy provide more than just technical training,” said Jennifer Mehle, Director of Workforce Development at Hope through Housing Foundation. “They help participants build confidence through developing their soft skills, professionalism, and essential life skills such as customer service, administration, and financial literacy. For residents working toward self-sufficiency, these certifications are empowering steps toward lasting upward mobility.”
With certificates in hand and bright futures ahead, CORE Academy’s October graduates are stepping forward with pride and purpose, ready to turn their training into opportunity. To learn more, visit www.HTHF.org/core-academy.