Merritt Scholars

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

EAH Housing Aerial View

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

Adriana Ochoa

UCLA

Alec Cruz

Alec Cruz

UC Berkeley

Analie Diaz

Analie Diaz

California State University, Fresno

Jasmine Melendez

Jasmine Melendez

California State University, Los Angeles

Jazmin Vasquez

Jazmin Vasquez

UC San Diego

Jennifer Carter

Jennifer Carter

California State University, Sacramento

Jose Ayala

Jose Ayala

California State University, Sacramento

Jovanny Escareno

Jovanny Escareno

San Jose State University

Kevin Umana

Kevin Umana

Cal Poly Pomona

Linsy Damashek

Linsy Damashek

UC Berkeley

Madison Nguyen

Madison Nguyen

UC Irvine

Marina Panzetta

Marina Panzetta

California State University, Long Beach

Miles Cressy

Miles Cressy

UCLA

Noemi Ramirez

Noemi Ramirez

California State University, Northridge

Nyny Vu

Nyny Vu

UC Berkeley

Raul Felix

Raul Felix

California State University, Northridge

Ronlindia Carter

Ronlindia Carter

California State Los Angeles

Rosendo Cervantes

Rosendo Cervantes

Cal Poly Pomona

Shawn Kunipo

Shawn Kunipo

California State University, Long Beach

Zaira Moreno Vazquez

Zaira Moreno Vazquez

UC San Diego