Forward Community Investments (FCI) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago are expanding their commitment to developing the next generation of affordable housing leaders through a grant awarded to the Wisconsin Real Estate Program’s Affordable and Sustainable Housing Development (ASHD) Graduate Track. This reflects a shared belief that tackling today’s housing challenges requires not only capital but also education, innovation, and leadership.
This partnership was recently celebrated on campus with the visit of Ryan Zerwer of Forward Community Investments and Jen Schaefer of FHLBank Chicago. The occasion marked the awarding of a $214,500 Community First® Developer Program grant, made possible with FCI serving as the member bank sponsor.
The grant will support the launch of the UW Housing Scholar Program, an initiative designed to provide paid internships for graduate students working with affordable housing developers and community organizations across Wisconsin and Illinois. By removing financial barriers to participation, the program allows more students to gain real-world experience in affordable housing.
The ASHD Graduate Track was launched in Fall 2024 through the James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate. This 12-credit program equips MBA and MS students with practical skills in affordable housing finance, sustainability, policy, and development. Students engage directly with industry professionals and projects, preparing them to navigate the complexities of housing systems.
The Graaskamp Center for Real Estate has long been a leader in real estate education, known for its emphasis on ethical leadership, hands-on approach to learning, including a one-of-a-kind, student-managed Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) fund, premier real estate conferences, and case competitions. You can learn more about the Center and its mission here: https://business.wisc.edu/centers/graaskamp/
The support from FHLBank Chicago’s Developer Program underscores the critical role that public-private partnerships play in advancing affordable housing. The program is designed to strengthen the development ecosystem by investing in capacity-building efforts and allowing communities access to the expertise and talent needed to bring projects to life. More information about the Developer Program can be found here: https://www.fhlbc.com/products-programs/housing-community-grants/developer-program
As housing affordability continues to be one of the most urgent challenges facing communities across the state, initiatives like the ASHD Track and the UW Housing Scholar Program represent a forward-thinking approach.