National CORE and Hope through Housing have been investing in their employees for more than 30 years, providing opportunities for personal and professional growth, and creating one of the strongest teams in the industry. In 2021, National CORE and Hope through Housing launched CORE Academy offering its extensive in-house property management training to residents of National CORE communities.
CORE Academy is the brainchild of National CORE’s Director of Learning and Development, Angel Rogers. It is a one-of-a-kind training program for property management that introduces National CORE residents to careers in one of the fastest growing industries.
With state funding secured by California Assemblymember James C. Ramos, CORE Academy will bridge the equity gap that too often prevents career advancement opportunities. “Our state is facing historic challenges resulting from the economic devastation caused by the pandemic,” Assemblymember James C. Ramos said. “Especially during times like these, we must create opportunities for everyone in our society to work well-paying jobs without subjecting themselves to a lifetime of debt. Workforce development programs like the CORE Academy are key to creating true economic mobility, and I’m proud to be part of this partnership.”
Today, CORE Academy with the support of Assemblymember Ramos and a great partnership with Chaffey College, Hope through Housing hopes to offer vocational classes to a larger demographic by the end of this year.
“Property Management is a real, live, amazing business that if you love it – it will take care of you,” Angel said. “My goal was to show people that this is an incredible industry, with incredible people and incredible opportunities.”
The program just wrapped up its fourth session; focused on maintenance training that includes hands-on classes. With the goal of bridging the gap between knowledge and experience, CORE Academy offers entry-level courses on an array of topics that are key to entering the growing field of apartment property maintenance.
Although the program is only a year old, it has accomplished what it set out to do. Graduates have entered the field and word is spreading. Of the 28 people who have gone through CORE Academy, not all have been residents – some of the participants have been family members or friends of residents, demonstrating the immense reach a program like this can have on our communities.
“I want others to understand that this isn’t a job, this is a career path,” Angel said. “The goal for me was to show that you can start as a leasing consultant and end up a vice president or even further.”