Merritt Scholars
Merritt Scholars builds a vibrant, relationship-centered community. Through mentorship and shared experiences, scholars have access to an organic network of peers and leaders who are committed to strengthening the future of affordable housing.
The Merritt Scholars program provides:
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- a $10,000 scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students
- access to 1-on-1 mentorship
- fully paid attendance at local and statewide industry conferences
In the last four years, the Merritt Scholars program has celebrated 70 scholars, 78% who have actively pursued a career in the affordable housing industry. Across our cohorts, 85% have lived experience in homelessness, housing insecurity, or poverty that has inspired them to make significant changes and have a lasting impact on future generations.
Questions about the Merritt Scholars program? Email Merritt’s Impact Manager, Celina Pacana, at cpacana@merrittcap.org
2026 Scholars
Alberto Espiricueta
University of California, Los Angeles
Aurion Wiley-Green
University of Southern California
Danielle Morales
University of California, Berkeley
Eli Inkelas
University of California, Berkeley
Emily Cain
University of California, Berkeley
Gelsey Ramos
University of California, Irvine
Jacob Korn
University of California, Berkeley
Jacqueline Valentín
University of California, Irvine
Jasper Chew
University of Southern California
Jessica Rodriguez
University of California, Los Angeles
Laurence Hicks
University of California, Los Angeles
Luis Guzman Garcia
University of California, Los Angeles
Megan Nguyen
University of California, Berkeley
Ronaldo Esquivel
University of Southern California
Shaine Stuhlmuller
University of California, Los Angeles