HDIP Information for Students
Our Housing Development Internship Program (HDIP) aims to provide a launch pad for college and graduate students from communities of color seeking a career in affordable housing development. Learn more and apply below!
Apply for HDIP Today!
Applications for the 2023-2024 Housing Development Internship Program are now open! Download the application form for one of our three focus tracks below. The application deadline for all tracks is July 14, 2023.
Why Apply for HDIP?
Check out the video below to hear from program graduates!
Download our HDIP flyer or read on for more information.
Program Overview
This 9 month, part-time, paid internship program is designed to recruit, train, and retain racially diverse leaders in the affordable housing sector.
During the program, interns will be actively involved in affordable housing and real estate development. Interns will learn hands-on what it takes to create affordable and healthy living communities, and specifically learn about the intricacies of developing projects from concept inception to construction completion.
Interns will further develop their professional and leadership skills through supplemental activities on at least a monthly basis, as part of a cohort learning community. Cohort convenings will include specific affordable housing curriculum, as well as space for discussion associated with HDC. All interns are expected to achieve basic competency skills in line with their development track over the course of the year.
2023-24 HDIP Timeline
Application Opens: June 2023
Application Deadline: July 14, 2023
Intern Orientation: September 30-October 1, 2023
First day of internship: October 2, 2023
Final day of internship: June 14, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should apply to be an HDIP intern?
HDIP is for students of color seeking hands-on experience in the affordable housing sector. This program is a good fit for those focusing in real estate development, urban planning, design, architecture, and other related fields, but students from any major may apply. Priority is given to students entering the last year of their program.
Is this program only for certain majors?
No! Students in any area of study may apply. While many HDIP participants are majoring in real estate, development, architecture, or another related field, we have also welcomed interns studying other fields, including public health, social work, and finance.
Is this a paid internship?
Yes! Minimum pay is set by the minimum wage of the city in which you work. For Seattle, that’s $18.69. HDC encourages host agencies to consider equitable pay compensation that is at or upwards of $20/hour. Pay is ultimately negotiated between intern and host agency, and is finalized at the time of hire.
What is the time commitment for interns?
HDIP is a 9-month long program. Interns commit to 10-15 hours of work and learning per week between the start of their internship in October and program graduation in June. This 10-15 hour estimate includes hands-on experience with the host agency, as well as cohort convenings and professional development activities.
Can I focus in a specific area?
HDC is offering focus tracks for HDIP 2023-2024. These tracks include: Housing Development, Architecture, and Construction/Construction Management.
Have another question that isn’t answered here? Contact Dani Turk, Membership, Programs & Equity Manager.
