The Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) program at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has received a $2.5 million donation to bolster its affordable housing curriculum. The significant contribution comes from Jeffrey Jaeger and Scott Alter, the co-founders of the real estate firm Standard Communities.
This funding will establish a new specialized track within the Luskin School of Public Affairs, aimed at training future real estate professionals to address the nationwide housing affordability crisis.
Key Takeaways
- UCLA's Master of Real Estate Development program received a $2.5 million commitment.
- The donors are Jeffrey Jaeger and Scott Alter, co-founders of the real estate firm Standard Communities.
- The funds will establish the UCLA Jaeger Alter Standard Communities (JASC) Affordable Housing Program.
- The initiative aims to train a new generation of leaders focused on creating innovative and scalable affordable housing solutions.
New Program to Address Housing Crisis
The $2.5 million gift will directly fund the creation of the UCLA Jaeger Alter Standard Communities (JASC) Affordable Housing Program. This new initiative will operate within UCLA's MRED program, which was launched in the fall of 2025.
Students participating in the JASC program will have the opportunity to earn a Certificate in Affordable Housing. The curriculum is designed to equip them with the specialized skills needed to navigate the complexities of developing and preserving affordable housing units.
About the UCLA MRED Program
Launched in Fall 2025, the Master of Real Estate Development at UCLA is an intensive one-year graduate program. It was developed in collaboration with industry leaders to provide students with practical, hands-on experience through case studies, site visits, and competitions. The program's core mission is to prepare graduates to tackle pressing housing, environmental, and equity challenges in the real estate sector.
Greg Morrow, the executive director of the UCLA MRED program, highlighted the gift's potential impact. He explained that it will allow for the development of new coursework focused on modern financial strategies for housing development.
“This enduring gift enables us to develop new coursework focused on innovative approaches to building affordable housing — drawing on emerging capital market solutions that can scale production far beyond what traditional public subsidies can support,” said Morrow. “Through this effort, UCLA MRED is helping to pioneer new ways of addressing the affordable housing crisis.”
The Donors' Vision for Social Impact
The donation comes from Jeffrey Jaeger and Scott Alter, the principals and co-founders of Standard Communities. Based in Los Angeles, their company specializes in the construction and preservation of affordable and workforce housing across the United States.
Standard Communities was founded during the 2008 housing crisis and has since focused on using creative financial structures and public-private partnerships. The company's mission is to create safe and dignified housing that strengthens communities.
Scott Alter emphasized that the gift is an investment in future leaders who will continue this mission.
“We’ve seen firsthand how access to safe, stable, dignified, affordable housing can transform lives,” said Alter. “This gift is an investment in the leaders who will emerge from the UCLA MRED program and will carry that mission forward — building stronger, more resilient communities for generations to come.”
A Commitment Beyond Funding
As part of the partnership, Jaeger and Alter will contribute more than just financial resources. They plan to be actively involved with the program by providing guest lectures, offering mentorship opportunities, and creating internships for students.
This hands-on involvement is intended to strengthen the pipeline of talented professionals dedicated to solving housing affordability issues. It provides students with direct access to experienced leaders in the field.
Standard Communities at a Glance
- Founded: During the 2008 housing crisis.
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, California.
- Mission: To build and preserve affordable and workforce housing nationwide.
- Strategy: Leverages creative financial structuring and public-private partnerships.
Jeffrey Jaeger noted that the affordable housing industry offers a unique opportunity for professionals to make a significant social impact while building rewarding careers.
“By supporting the program, we hope to expand the pipeline of talented professionals who will bring fresh ideas, energy and commitment to this space, ultimately helping to deliver housing solutions that are sustainable, equitable and capable of transforming lives,” Jaeger stated.
Strengthening UCLA's Real Estate Education
The JASC Affordable Housing Program is a key component of the MRED program's broader strategy to offer specialized skills. The university also provides certificate programs in other critical areas of real estate.
These specializations include:
- Sustainable Development
- Property Technology (Proptech)
- Asset Management
- Affordable Housing
This approach allows students to tailor their education to specific career paths within the diverse real estate industry. The new program underscores the university's commitment to addressing one of the most significant challenges facing California and the nation.
Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris, the interim dean of the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, expressed her gratitude for the donation and its alignment with the school's mission.
“Affordable housing is among the most urgent needs in our region and beyond,” said Loukaitou-Sideris. “This gift enables us to train a new generation of real estate leaders who can design, develop and manage housing that is both affordable and sustainable. We are deeply grateful to Jeffrey Jaeger and Scott Alter for their foresight and generosity.”
By combining academic rigor with industry expertise, the new program at UCLA aims to produce graduates who are not only skilled in real estate development but are also driven to create lasting social change through their work.
