Affordable Housing

Management Academy

Shaping the Future Leaders of the Affordable Housing Industry

“AHM Academy’s biggest strength is having the support of a mentor, the education, the extra curriculum events, but overall the networking it presents and facilitates students to have”

— 2025 Program Graduate

Program Overview

The Affordable Housing Management Academy is a college-level training and certification program that gives participants the practical skills, knowledge, and credentials needed to launch and succeed in property management and the affordable housing industry.

Offered by the San Diego Housing Federation as a workforce development initiative, the Academy is designed to remove barriers to entry for people from lower-income backgrounds and residents of affordable housing communities. Our goal is to help participants secure meaningful, stable employment in property management and related roles.

Program Goals

• Create accessible career pathways for historically underserved communities and residents of affordable housing.

• Connect graduates to meaningful employment in affordable housing management.

• Build a more representative workforce by empowering people whose lived experiences match those of the residents they will serve.

Who Should Apply

People seeking a stable career in property management.

Residents of affordable housing or those from lower socio-economic backgrounds looking for upward mobility.

Anyone who wants to use their lived experience to improve resident services and community outcomes.

Registration for the 2026 Fall Cohort will open on May 4th.

Submit Interest

Step Into the Academy

- NCAHM 50: Introduction to Affordable Housing Management (8 weeks): Get started in property management with a focus on affordable housing. This course covers the key laws, regulations, and core skills needed to succeed in the role and handle day-to-day operations.
- NCAHM 51: Emerging Leaders in Affordable Housing Management (8 weeks): Focus on financial reporting, key property management documents, and strengthening relationships with residents, vendors, and partners. Students also develop advanced leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Students will receive 1:1 guidance from mentors with hands on experience in the Affordable Housing Industry. Mentors will provide real-world guidance to build skills, confidence, and career readiness. Mentors are recruited by SDHF from organizations including: CONAM Management Corporation, National Community Renaissance, San Diego Housing Commission, Wakeland Housing and Development, Community HousingWorks, and many more!
Every student receives personalized support to help them reach their career goals. From one-on-one resume reviews to hands-on interview preparation, we ensure students feel confident and ready to enter the workforce.
Students also have opportunities to attend networking events hosted by the San Diego Housing Federation, where they can connect with industry professionals and gain insight into the housing field.
To top it off, participants join our job fair experience—meeting hiring managers, practicing their interview skills, and building real connections that can lead to employment opportunities.

Become a Mentor

Help shape the next generation of affordable housing leaders by becoming a mentor! Share your experience, offer guidance, and support students as they begin their careers in property management.

We’re currently seeking professionals in the affordable housing sector to mentor our Fall 2026 cohort.

• Inspire the next generation of affordable housing professionals.

• Share real-world expertise and industry insight.

• Expand your professional network.

• Make a lasting impact on communities and careers.

More Information