Merritt Scholars

Merritt is dedicated to building opportunities for more representation within the affordable housing industry.

As part of Merritt’s Commitment to California Initiative we are expanding the Merritt Scholars program, originally launched by Merrit’s long-term CEO Barney Deasy. We will be increasing the number of scholarships fourfold and deepening the support of this program. This program serves as an entry point into the affordable housing industry, allowing students the ability to learn about the many career and development opportunities. The Merritt Scholars program, started in 2009, was created to attract the next generation of affordable housing finance and development professionals.

This program includes a $10,000 scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students, and a meaningful opportunity to learn more about the affordable housing field via access to a mentor, fully paid attendance at local and statewide industry conferences, and engagement with industry leaders. At the conclusion of the program, Merritt may assist scholars in obtaining a job in the affordable housing field.

Application Requirements Include:

Recommendation by either an affordable housing industry professional or a professor teaching a course related to affordable housing; or a concurrent application to an affordable housing internship such as the Bay Area Housing Internship or the California Coalition for Rural Housing’s Internship Program with a recommendation from a professional at your internship program.
Demonstrated interest in affordable housing through classwork, volunteerism, employment, or other means.
Stated interest in pursuing a career in the affordable housing industry.
Currently enrolled in a four-year college or university in California in Fall 2025 as a sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student.
Physically located in California (i.e. not just attending a California school) for the full academic year. Travel may be required.
3.0 GPA or higher.
If awarded, the entire $10,000 scholarship must be used to pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies and equipment required for enrollment or attendance at the educational institution.

From our 2022-2023 cohort, 14 of our 16 scholars have secured jobs in the affordable housing field!

The Merritt Scholars application for the 2025-2026 cohort is open until midnight, April 15th!
Questions about Merritt Scholars or the application process?
Email Merritt’s Program Manager, Celina Pacana, at [email protected]