Presented to the industry last week in a session at the Ballard Spahr 2024 National Housing Symposium in Washington, DC, Project Destined is a social impact platform designed to provide underserved youth, particularly students of color, with education and opportunities in real estate. Founded by Cedric Bobo, a former investor, the program aims to bridge the gap in real estate ownership and investment knowledge by training students on key concepts, such as property evaluation, financing and market dynamics. Students gain access to mentorship, real-world deal evaluation experience and financial stipends while networking with industry professionals.
The program has partnered with institutions like U.S. Bank and affordable housing developers like Standard Communities to further its mission. A significant initiative is the Affordable Housing Bootcamp, which educates students on affordable housing investment, development and preservation. This bootcamp provides hands-on learning opportunities in collaboration with real estate professionals, allowing students to work on multifamily housing deals and present investment opportunities. This collaboration aims to develop the next generation of real estate leaders, with a focus on increasing diversity in the industry, particularly in affordable housing development.
Project Destined’s influence on affordable housing is significant. It fosters an inclusive approach to real estate by preparing a more diverse group of professionals to enter the field, which is crucial for addressing the housing gap. Its partnership with developers and financial institutions not only educates students but also aims to preserve and develop affordable housing, helping to shape future leaders committed to social impact in housing.
