Merit America

Founded in 2018, Merit America provides career-oriented training in various tech fields including IT Support, Data Analytics, UX Design, Cybersecurity, Project Management, and Java Development. Designed to accommodate working adults, their programs require only 3-5 hours of live meetings per week and can be completed on a part-time basis. Merit America partners with top companies to ensure that learners have effective pathways to employment after completing their training. They employ a unique pay-it-forward funding model, where payments are only due after participants complete the program and secure employment. Alumni of Merit America report an average annual wage increase of $24,000. Additionally, the organization offers a salary guarantee where if alumni do not earn at least $40,000 annually within two years after program completion, they may be eligible for a refund or loan cancellation. Merit America also provides career coaching and access to a network of industry professionals. To date, it has served over 9,000 individuals, helping them to build family-sustaining careers.