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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT CORPORATION ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM TO UPLIFT NEXT GENERATION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPERS
In partnership with the Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate, scholarship will provide opportunities for students pursuing a career in Chicago’s housing industry
Chicago, IL – Community Investment Corporation (CIC), a Chicago non-profit lender that finances the acquisition, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable rental housing, today announced a new scholarship program in partnership with the Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate and Roosevelt University. Recognizing the importance of supporting the community development industry, CIC has chosen to build on its legacy and invest in the next generation of Chicago’s multifamily housing leaders.
The CIC Scholarship for Future Leaders in Neighborhood Housing was established to provide support for the Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate graduate students who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing a career in Chicago’s housing and community development industry. Candidates will be selected by an Advisory and Selection Committee, composed of leaders representing a range of professions across Chicago’s housing industry.
“We’re thrilled to offer this scholarship in partnership with such a remarkable school as the Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate,” said Stacie Young, President and CEO of Community Investment Corporation. “Over our 50-year history, CIC has hired many graduates and alumni from the institution, including several current employees. Supporting the development of the next generation of housing and real estate professionals is critical to CIC’s mission to ensure the continued vibrancy of Chicago’s neighborhoods.”
Applications are now open and close on July 15, 2025. The scholarship will provide a one-year award of $10,000, covering tuition and fees at $5,000 per semester. The scholarship may be renewable, upon re-application, for up to five semesters in total. In addition to financial support, the recipient will have the opportunity throughout the academic year to participate in a variety of professional development activities. These include participating in CIC’s Property Management training courses and workshops, available both virtually and in-person, and attending and participating in CIC events such as the Neighborhood Forum, which brings together more than 200 developers, owners, managers, brokers and lenders. The recipient will also be invited to shadow CIC staff in an area of particular interest — such as lending, asset management or property redevelopment — during the academic year.
“CIC is an inspiring leader in supporting small borrowers and strengthening the affordable housing ecosystem in Chicago. We’re proud to partner with them to offer this scholarship to our graduate students,” said Collete English Dixon, CIC Board Member and Executive Director of the Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate. “Being able to ease the financial burden while preparing students for impactful careers in housing and community development is truly a gift. Through this opportunity, students will not only receive support but also gain hands-on experience by shadowing CIC’s team and learning directly about lending to small borrowers and the redevelopment of affordable properties.”
Eligible candidates are graduate students who demonstrate a strong commitment to working in Chicago’s housing and community development industry, as evidenced through a personal statement, relevant work or internship experience and two letters of recommendation. Preference will be given to applicants with a specific interest in the development or preservation of multifamily housing. Recipients must also meet the standard MBRE graduate scholarship criteria, which include maintaining continuous enrollment through degree completion, enrolling in at least two courses per semester, maintaining a minimum 3.5 GPA and satisfying any additional requirements as determined by the University. Scholarships will be awarded by August 22, 2025. Funding is to be applied toward tuition and fees for the fall of 2025.
For more details and to apply, visit Roosevelt’s website.
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