Merritt Scholars
Merritt is dedicated to building opportunities for more equitable 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. From our 2022-2023 cohort, 14 of our 16 scholars have secured jobs in the affordable housing field.
The Merritt Scholars application for the 2024-2025 cohort is open until midnight, April 15th!
Questions about Merritt Scholars or the application process?
Email us at MerrittScholars@merrittcap.org
2023-2024 Scholars
Adriana Ochoa
UCLA
Alec Cruz
UC Berkeley
Analie Diaz
California State University, Fresno
Jasmine Melendez
California State University, Los Angeles
Jazmin Vasquez
UC San Diego
Jennifer Carter
California State University, Sacramento
Jose Ayala
California State University, Sacramento
Jovanny Escareno
San Jose State University
Kevin Umana
Cal Poly Pomona
Linsy Damashek
UC Berkeley
Madison Nguyen
UC Irvine
Marina Panzetta
California State University, Long Beach
Miles Cressy
UCLA
Noemi Ramirez
California State University, Northridge
Nyny Vu
UC Berkeley
Raul Felix
California State University, Northridge
Ronlindia Carter
California State Los Angeles
Rosendo Cervantes
Cal Poly Pomona
Shawn Kunipo
California State University, Long Beach
Zaira Moreno Vazquez
UC San Diego