In a heartfelt ceremony, six National CORE residents proudly crossed the finish line of CORE Academy’s property management workforce development program.
On June 3 at the Ontario Airport Hotel, the group received certificates of completion after a rigorous six-day crash course on the ins and outs of property management – the second cohort of 2025.
For participants like Marqusha, the moment marked the beginning of a new journey.
“This certificate is proof that you can do anything if you put your mind to it – I can show this to my daughter and inspire her to do the same,” she said.
The course was intense, but the National CORE team made even the densest material accessible and engaging, Marqusha added.
A collaboration between affordable housing developer National CORE and Hope through Housing’s Pathways to Economic Empowerment, this dynamic program – launched in 2022 and led by National CORE’s Director of Learning and Development Angel Rogers – is now expanding to include tracks in hospitality and internships in marketing and digital tech. Together, the nonprofits are creating clear pathways to entry-level careers in property management and maintenance.
And the results speak for themselves: nearly 90% of employers prefer candidates with micro-credentials like those offered through CORE Academy, according to Coursera. More education means more opportunities like better jobs and higher earnings.
“At Hope through Housing, we believe in the power of education and opportunity,” said Alyssa Cotter, Hope through Housing’s Executive Director. “CORE Academy is more than just a training program; it’s a pathway to a brighter future for individuals and their families. I couldn’t be prouder of each of them as they take the next step in their journey.”