To recruit, train and retain ethnically diverse talent who will enhance the human development capacity and leadership of rural California’s nonprofit Housing and Community Development field Internship Program Mission

The Problem in Brief Lack of ethnic diversity in upper management levels Rural California’s population trends dictate the need for leaders who reflect and understand community issues and needs

…..Problem in Brief California’s housing organizations Executive Directors and Senior Managers have substantial direct development experience in their portfolio of experience Rural California’s housing organization’s compete directly with large metro areas for the same pool of talent

Internship Program History Program launched in 1998 Graduated 100 Students from across rural CA, OR, & Washington State 50% remain in the Community Development Field 75% Latino, 20% Asian, 3% African-American, 2% Native- American

Internship Program Partners CCRH: -Administrator Host Agencies: -Selected each year via a competitive application process Internship Advisory Committee (Program stakeholder representation): -Sets Policy, provides program evaluation, and oversight. Funders: Major banks and intermediaries

Students have contributed to… 3,100 new multi-family housing units 407 single family units 737 rehabilitation units design and project approval process of 70 different affordable housing developments access of > $77 million in predevelopment, construction and permanent funds Internship Program Impact in Numbers

Successes It’s a New Generation of Intern Graduates in the Field!! Expansion

Challenges to Sustain the Program Need to increase and diversify funding resources Expansion/replication demands additional resources & well established networks/ associations

Challenge for our Field Attention and Investment in recruiting, cultivating and retaining a new generation of diverse qualified community development professionals Engage funders, foundations in efforts to develop a new generation of leaders for the future of our field and communities

Collaboration is Essential Support and Commitment! Q&A