Merritt Scholars
Building a stronger California by creating a well-equipped workforce that will make a lasting impact in the affordable housing industry.
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 Merritt Scholars or the application process? Find out more by visiting our FAQs!
Email Merritt’s Impact Manager, Celina Pacana, at cpacana@merrittcap.org
2025 Scholars
Adriana Torres Ceja
University of California, Los Angeles
Brandon Tran
University of California, San Diego
Brenda Gonzalez-Rayo
University of California, Los Angeles
Emma Lohmann Barker
University of California, Berkeley
Jennifer Flores
University of California, Berkeley
Jolie Nguyen
University of California, Los Angeles
Krishna Madhav
Stanford University
Laura Walton
University of Southern California
Madison Richards
University of California, Los Angeles
Monica Tavassoli
Stanford University
Rediet Retta
University of Southern California
Ruben Anguiano
University of California, Berkeley
Samantha Lee
University of California, San Diego
Shania Santana
University of California, Los Angeles