Merit America alumni now guaranteed transfer credit toward an associate degree with Golden Gate University.
In a move set to revolutionize the education landscape, Merit America is among the organizations to partner with Golden Gate University (GGU) and Outlier.org to launch the Degrees+ Workforce Transfer Network this week.
This groundbreaking network brings together leading organizations that offer or connect learners with workforce training programs, providing them with a seamless pathway to Degrees+, an innovative online associate degree program.
Degrees+ is a high-quality, affordable, and flexible program offered by GGU and powered by Outlier.org. It reimagines the traditional two-year degree, catering to the needs of a new generation of students seeking accessible degree pathways.
Starting this fall, learners who have completed training programs with the support of organizations including Merit America, AmeriCorps, Genesys Works, SkillUp Coalition, and Thinkful by Chegg will be eligible to receive up to a semester of guaranteed transfer credit when enrolling in Degrees+.
By guaranteeing transfer credit, Degrees+ creates a new pathway to opportunity, empowering Merit America alumni with an affordable and flexible way to earn a college degree—without hitting pause on their careers.
Rebecca Taber Staehelin, co-CEO of Merit America
Degrees+ allows students to choose between three associate degree programs: an AS in Applied Computing, AA in Business Administration, or AA in Liberal Studies. Faculty members from Golden Gate University lead each course, providing interactive support through class discussions and office hours. Students also have the option to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree either at GGU or by transferring to another four-year institution.
“Workforce training programs play a critical role providing people with real-world experience and job skills,” said Aaron Rasmussen, CEO and Founder of Outlier.org. “This network creates an accessible pathway for millions of individuals to leverage their significant learning in these programs to get a head start on earning an affordable degree.”
“There is a need for higher education to adapt and acknowledge the educational value of career-related training and experience,” added Dr. David J. Fike, President of Golden Gate University. “The Degrees+ Workforce Transfer Network allows us to bridge that gap and provide students with an inclusive and flexible pathway towards earning a degree.”
Through this partnership, Outlier.org and Golden Gate University, together with organizations like Merit America, are empowering millions of individuals to earn an affordable degree that fits into the schedules of adult learners without compromising on quality.
This network aligns with Merit America’s mission to break down barriers and provide opportunities for learners to achieve their academic goals in the way that works best for them.
About Merit America
Merit America is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing workers stuck in low-wage roles for family-sustaining careers at scale. Founded in 2018, Merit America offers fast and flexible training and job search programs that cater to working adults. These programs are aligned with the most in-demand roles in the fastest-growing sectors of the U.S. economy. With a focus on driving wage gains, Merit America has served thousands of working adults across the country and is on track to achieve $1 billion in wage gains by 2025.
About Golden Gate University
Golden Gate University is a private nonprofit university located in the heart of San Francisco’s financial and high-tech district. Established in 1901, GGU empowers working adults to achieve their professional goals through nationally renowned undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates. With nearly three decades of experience in online education, GGU offers maximum flexibility to modern students. GGU graduates join a network of nearly 70,000 alumni.
About Outlier.org
Outlier.org is dedicated to empowering students to earn their degrees with the best instructors without accumulating debt. The organization offers for-credit courses and degree programs taught by leading instructors from prestigious institutions such as Yale, MIT, and Harvard. Students benefit from a rigorous online learning experience featuring cinematic video content, access to 1-on-1 tutoring, AI-proctored assessments, and active learning materials. All Outlier.org courses and degree programs are transcripted by either the University of Pittsburgh or Golden Gate University.