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

