Build your career through merit
Merit America is proud to provide Bay Area residents the opportunity to earn while they learn and get ready for a job in IT Support in as little as 14 weeks.
A path that helps you accelerate your career
Merit America is on a mission to create a clear pathway for working adults—like you—to enter tech careers. Our programs are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing you to earn an industry-recognized credential from Google in as little as 14 weeks, on a schedule that fits your life.
We start by analyzing millions of job postings to identify high-paying tech careers, then prepare you for these roles through part-time programs that blend flexible online learning with best-in-class coaching.
Finally, we partner with leading employers like JPMorgan Chase, Amazon, and Southwest Airlines to connect our alumni with high-paying, family-sustaining jobs. The results speak for themselves: On average, our alumni see a $24,000 wage increase just 3+ months after completing the program.
Earn While You Learn at Merit America!
For Bay Area residents, there’s an added advantage: In addition to participating in the program for free, earning a Google Certificate, receiving job placement support, and building a professional portfolio, you can also earn up to $550 in incentives throughout the program: $150 upon completing Foundations (Week 4), $200 upon completing Week 8, and $200 upon completing the Immersions Phase (Week 13).
The following terms and conditions apply: Limited spots available. Application does not guarantee admission. Offer is valid only for residents of the 9 County Bay Area and for entry into Merit America’s January 2025-start cohort of its IT Support track. Merit America may require applicants to demonstrate proof of residence for qualification. Merit America makes no guarantees or representations as to its services and may, at any time, add to these terms and to any qualifying criteria concerning the advertised completion bonuses. These terms and conditions supplement Merit America’s Terms of Use, which applicants should review prior to applying.
Work Life Balance
Your third-party coursework and Merit America career coaching services are online. Live meetings are only 3-5 hours per week. You can complete the coursework in-between work shifts, on weekends – whatever works for your life.
My Calendar
Monday, January 10
Merit America Program
- At Work 8am – 3pm
- Online Coursework 3pm – 5pm
- Daycare pick-up 5:15pm
- Family Dinner 6pm
- 1:1 Career Coaching 8pm
Work with a team dedicated to your success
Meet regularly with a career coach and squad of your peers to keep you on track. After you finish, you’ll join a network of thousands of Merit America alumni.
Chat
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Michael, Career Coach
How’s your coursework going this week?
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Cora
I’m really struggling with my resume…
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Michael, Career Coach
You’ve got this! Let me connect you with our job success coach, Teresa.
Also, something to look forward to: you’re only one week away from completing your Google Certificate!
Our alums work for the world’s top tech companies
Get the IT Support skills employers are looking for
IT Support fundamentals
In the IT Support field, effective communication of technical details to non-technical audiences is crucial. Through the Google IT Support Certificate training, you’ll cover the fundamentals of modern networking technologies and protocols, along with practical applications in network troubleshooting. You’ll also learn about the main components of operating systems such as Windows and Linux, as well as how to perform critical tasks, like managing software and users and configuring hardware to ensure smooth IT operations.
System Administration and IT Infrastructure
Build a strong foundation in IT by examining the critical infrastructure services that keep organizations running smoothly. You’ll explore cloud computing in detail, learning about standard cloud setups and strategies for effective resource management. Along the way, you’ll gain practical experience in server management and configuration, as well as essential skills for disaster recovery and implementing security architecture to protect your organization’s IT assets.
Acing the interview
Building a career in IT Support goes far beyond technical skills, and Merit America’s career coaching ensures you’re fully prepared. You’ll receive personalized support to craft a standout resume and cover letter tailored for IT Support roles, as well as to optimize your LinkedIn profile and practice for technical interviews. With comprehensive guidance, you’ll be ready to navigate the job market confidently and pursue your career in IT.
Hear What Our IT Support Alumni Have To Say
Merit America changed my life. I now have a clear plan for the next 5-10 years, all thanks to this program.
Merit America changed my career for the better. My life has transformed in the best way possible.
Merit America offered me a fresh start with zero-interest funding. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
“Going through the technical courses and allowing me access to the Google courses helped a lot, especially with support.
With Merit America, I didn’t just learn tech skills—I gained confidence and tools to stand out in the job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
If the following FAQs don’t answer your questions, email learnmore@meritamerica.org.
Ready to Earn While You Learn?
Join Merit America today and take advantage of this exclusive offer, which includes a Google IT Support Professional Certificate, a portfolio, a network of alumni and employer partners, job placement support, and up to $550 in incentives throughout the program. Apply by January 9th to qualify!