Which Career Track Is Right For You?

Discover your ideal career path with our quick quiz! Get matched with the perfect Merit America Career Track and take the first step toward a higher-paying, fulfilling career today.

Career Tracks

Learn in-demand skills without quitting your day job

Our programs are built for working adults — part-time, flexible, and focused on real-world results. You'll earn industry-recognized credentials from providers like Google while learning the skills employers need most. Choose a career that matches your strengths, skills, and interests.

What You'll Gain

Everything you need to go from learner to earner

We designed every part of this program to address the real barriers to career change — not the ideal ones.

Join 20,000+ alumni who've transformed their lives

Learn how our alumni built new skills and launched careers they love — starting from where you are today.

$21K average wage increase for alumni

75% success rate in positive wage gain for alumni

$1.4B in lifetime alumni wage gains

Your next career is one decision away.

The application takes about 10 minutes, and there's no cost to apply. We'll pair you with a coach and connect you to our community to get you started.

About Us

About Merit America

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about Merit America and how we work.

Is Merit America a school?

No. Merit America is a workforce development nonprofit — not a school and not an educational institution. We provide career coaching services and connect learners with third-party technical training. We don't issue certificates, certifications, or diplomas. The credentials learners earn come from third-party providers like Google (through Coursera), HRCI, or ASCM — not from Merit America.

Is Merit America accredited?

Merit America is not an accredited school or educational institution — and that's intentional. We're a nonprofit career coaching organization that partners with accredited training providers like Google and Coursera. This keeps our programs flexible, affordable, and focused on real job outcomes rather than traditional academic credentials.

If training is from a third party, why Merit America?

The technical coursework is just one piece. Merit America wraps every program with dedicated career coaching, live workshops, peer community, and job search support — the human infrastructure that helps working adults actually finish and land jobs. Most online courses have a completion problem; we solve it.

How do I know this works?

75% of Merit America alumni achieve a positive wage gain within 3 months of completing the program, with an average increase of $21,000 per year. We've served over 20,000 learners since 2018, generating an estimated $1.4 billion in cumulative wage gains. Our outcomes are independently verified and published in our annual Impact Report.

Where does the training take place?

Everything is fully online and self-paced, so you can train from anywhere at times that work for you — evenings, weekends, whenever fits your schedule. Most learners spend 10–15 hours per week while keeping their current job and family responsibilities.

How much does the program cost?

You can start with $0 upfront through a Zero Percent Loan from Ascent Funding. Employers can also sponsor eligible learners, and our Opportunity For All program covers 100% of the cost for those who don't qualify for other options. If you leave before the end of Week 5, you receive a full refund.

How do you partner with employers?

We work with 500+ hiring partners including JPMorgan Chase, Amazon, Walmart, and Accenture to connect Merit America alumni with open roles. Employers come to us because our graduates arrive job-ready — with verified credentials, polished resumes, and coached interview skills. We also host career fairs and facilitate warm introductions.

Meet Your Coach

Get support from our best-in-class coaches

We know that transitioning from technical training to a new career can be exciting — and challenging. At Merit America, you don't have to navigate it alone.

Coaching Questions

Don't just land a job, build a career

Everything you need to know about coaching, support, and what comes after the program.

Are the coaches qualified?

Every Merit America career coach is a trained professional with experience in career development, workforce coaching, or their chosen field. Many are Merit America alumni themselves — so they've walked the exact path you're on. All coaches complete Merit America's internal training program before working with learners.

Is career coaching included in the program?

Yes, career coaching is included in every Merit America program at no additional cost. From day one, you're paired with a dedicated coach who supports you through coursework, resume building, job searching, and interview prep — all the way through your career transition.

What's the role of a Career Coach at Merit America?

Your career coach is your personal advocate throughout the program. They help you build a personalized growth plan, keep you accountable, guide you through challenges, and prepare you to land a job. They're not a chatbot or a ticket queue — they're a real person invested in your specific outcome.

How often will I meet with my Coach?

You'll have regular 1:1 sessions with your coach, plus access to live topic-based workshops weekly. Coaching options include evening and weekend availability, making it easier to get support without rearranging your work schedule or family responsibilities.

What happens after I complete the program?

After completing the program, you retain access to Merit America's alumni community, continue receiving job search support, and keep your Alumni Career Coach for ongoing guidance. You also get lifetime access to Coursera for continued learning, plus continuing education credits with partner universities.

Does Merit America guarantee job placement?

Merit America doesn't guarantee a specific job, but we stand behind our outcomes with the Merit America Guarantee: if you don't earn at least $40k within two years of completing the Immersion phase, you don't have to pay. 75% of our alumni achieve a positive wage gain, with an average increase of $21,000 per year.

I have more questions about coaching and job placement. Where can I learn more?

Visit meritamerica.org to explore detailed information about our coaching model, program structure, and outcomes. You can also apply for free — the application takes about 10 minutes, and an Admissions Advisor will walk you through everything before you commit to anything.

Find Out How We Support You

Common questions about Merit America

Whether you're exploring our mission or looking for specific answers, we've got you covered.

What is Merit America?

Merit America is a national nonprofit workforce development organization that creates fast, flexible pathways to family-sustaining careers for Americans stuck in low-wage work. We pair third-party technical training from providers like Google and Coursera with Merit America career coaching services — creating a guided pathway that can be completed while managing work and family. We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN: 84-2108762).

What is the admissions process?

The application takes about 10 minutes and is completely free. After you apply, an Admissions Advisor will reach out to walk you through the program details, explore payment options, and help you figure out if Merit America is the right fit — before you commit a single dollar. If accepted, you'll have up to 5 weeks to explore the program with a full refund option.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To be eligible for Merit America, you should be at least 18 years old, currently working or have recent work experience, comfortable using a computer and the internet, and able to commit 10–15 hours per week to the program. No prior experience in tech or your chosen field is required — our programs are built for career changers starting from where they are today.

How much does Merit America cost?

You can start with $0 upfront through a Zero Percent Loan from Ascent Funding. Employers can also sponsor eligible learners. Our Opportunity For All program covers 100% of the cost for those who don't qualify for other options. If you leave before the end of Week 5, you receive a full refund — so there's no risk to exploring the program.

What's included in the cost?

Your program fee covers everything: industry-recognized technical credentials from providers like Google, dedicated 1:1 career coaching, live weekly workshops, peer community access, resume and LinkedIn support, interview prep, job search assistance, and lifetime alumni access. There are no hidden fees or extra charges.

Does Merit America guarantee job placement?

Merit America doesn't guarantee a specific job, but we back our outcomes with the Merit America Guarantee: if you don't earn at least $40k within two years of completing the Immersion phase, you don't have to pay. 75% of our alumni achieve a positive wage gain, with an average increase of $21,000 per year — and we've generated over $1.4 billion in cumulative wage gains since 2018.

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

1. Introduction

Merit America ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and services. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly, including your name, email address, phone number, and password when you create an account. We may also collect demographic information, employment history, and educational background as part of the application process. Additionally, we automatically collect usage data such as IP address, browser type, device information, and pages visited.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to process your application, provide career coaching services, communicate program updates, and improve our platform. We may use your contact information to send you program-related notifications, newsletters, and promotional materials. You may opt out of marketing communications at any time.

4. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We may share your information with trusted service providers who assist in operating our platform, conducting our business, or serving our users, as long as those parties agree to keep this information confidential. We may also disclose information when required by law or to protect our rights.

5. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our platform. You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, some features of our platform may not function properly without cookies.

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy. You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time by contacting us at meritamericahire@gmail.com.

8. Your Rights

You have the right to access, correct, or delete your personal information. You may also request that we restrict processing of your data or provide you with a copy of your data in a portable format. To exercise these rights, please contact us at meritamericahire@gmail.com.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we become aware that a minor has provided us with personal information, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

10. Changes to This Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the effective date. Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at meritamericahire@gmail.com.

Terms of Use

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Merit America platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our services. These terms apply to all visitors, users, and others who access the platform.

2. Description of Services

Merit America is a nonprofit workforce development organization that provides career coaching, technical training pathways, and job placement support. Our platform connects learners with industry-recognized credentials and coaching services designed to help them transition into higher-paying careers.

3. User Accounts

To access certain features of our platform, you must create an account. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.

4. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years of age to use our services. By creating an account, you represent and warrant that you meet this requirement. Merit America reserves the right to verify eligibility and deny access to any user who does not meet program requirements.

5. User Conduct

You agree not to use our platform for any unlawful purpose or in any way that could damage, disable, or impair our services. You may not attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of our platform, nor interfere with other users' enjoyment of our services.

6. Intellectual Property

All content on the Merit America platform, including text, graphics, logos, and software, is the property of Merit America or its content suppliers and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our express written permission.

7. Program Enrollment and Refund Policy

By enrolling in a Merit America program, you agree to the program's terms and payment arrangements. Learners who withdraw before the end of Week 5 are eligible for a full refund. After Week 5, standard program fees apply unless covered by the Merit America Guarantee or other arrangements.

8. The Merit America Guarantee

Under the Merit America Guarantee, if you do not earn at least $40,000 within two years of completing the Immersion phase of your chosen program, you will not be required to pay program fees. Specific eligibility criteria apply and are outlined in your enrollment agreement.

9. Disclaimer of Warranties

Our services are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Merit America does not warrant that the platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or other harmful components.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Merit America shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of our services, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

11. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Use at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting. Your continued use of our platform following any changes constitutes your acceptance of the new terms.

12. Governing Law

These Terms of Use shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States, without regard to conflict of law provisions. Any disputes arising under these terms shall be resolved through binding arbitration.

13. Contact

For questions regarding these Terms of Use, please reach out to us at meritamericahire@gmail.com.