The co-Development Apprenticeship program (coDA) is designed to support a cohort of aspiring and emerging developers. Working in tandem with Spark, participants will have the opportunity to reduce risk while building their experience, portfolio, and balance sheet. Think of it as the residency program in medical training—while our Developer Academy serves as the medical school, coDA provides the hands-on, practical experience necessary to become a seasoned developer.

coDA projects are developed in collaborative, cooperative cohorts of between 2-5 emerging developers, in harmony with Spark and the community. coDA encompasses both single-family for-sale and multi-family rental housing experiential learning opportunities.

You can apply by choosing between these two ways:
Online Application Form
PDF Application Form

Apply on or before November 1, 2024, if you wish to be considered for the first coDA cohort.

Participant Goals

Developers participating in coDA gain hands-on experience in decision-making, navigating development processes, building capital stacks, and managing risk for housing projects. The completed development adds to participants’ track records and addresses the undersupply of quality, affordable housing. Developers then apply the knowledge, experience, confidence, and capital gained to pursue independent projects.

The Spark Development Ecosystem

Spark fosters development every step of the way. No matter where you are at on your development journey, we offer programming, education, and resources that meet developers where they are.

Developer Academy

Real estate development knowledge
Connections to industry leaders

coDA

Hands-on learning
New housing units on market
Build track record
Seed capital

Independent Projects

Ongoing 1x1 technical assistance
Spark Capital financing
Ongoing education

Eligibility

To participate as a Developer in coDA, Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Applicant must be a graduate of the Spark Developer Academy OR demonstrate a background in real estate development at least equivalent to that of a Developer Academy graduate.
Applicant must have sufficient funds to pay the Participation Fee.
- Typically, the Participation Fee is at least 0.5% of the total project cost.
- Scholarships are not available.
- The participation fee is invested in the project capital stack and can be realized upon project completion as a Developer Fee.
- The participation fee may be waived for Developers who contribute land to a coDA project.
Applicant must possess written and oral communication skills necessary to complete the tasks of a Developer.
Applicant must possess sound judgment and decision-making abilities.
Applicants must be open to learning and growth throughout the program.
Applicant must commit to fulfilling the duties of a Developer throughout the project period of at least 2 years.

Our ideal participants

Prospective Developers must possess a baseline understanding of real estate development, including, but not limited to, the development process, pro forma, and the housing ecosystem. The ideal Developer candidate is a Developer Academy (DA) graduate seeking hands-on experience.

coDA is especially geared towards DA graduates who have not yet completed their first project but are looking to build a track record and experience to apply to future, independent projects. All interested developers are encouraged to apply. Spark will pair Developers in cohorts based on skills and experience to create well-rounded development teams.

Selection Process

Spark is currently accepting applications from Developers who wish to participate in coDA. The application will remain open with rolling, quarterly application reviews. The next priority deadline for coDA is November 1, 2024.

Spark’s Advisory Group reviews applications from Developers. All applicants who meet the selection criteria will be recommended by the Advisory Group. Applicants will be notified of the status of their application by December 1, 2024. Potential outcomes include:

Pre-Selected: Developer is recommended to participate by Advisory Group and has been matched with a project. Developer must pay the participation fee and submit personal financial statements for underwriting before enrolling.
Waitlisted: Developer is recommended to participate but no projects are currently available. Developer will be held in pool of qualified participants and notified as soon as they are matched with a new project opportunity.
Not Selected: Advisory Group does not recommend Developer for participation in coDA at this time. Developer may meet with Spark staff to discuss what they need to do to become qualified and may apply for reconsideration at any time.