New Partnership to Provide Renters across the Nation with Significant Savings for Next Generation Job Training
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Merit America, a national workforce development nonprofit that helps workers in low-wage jobs transition into family-sustaining careers, today announced a new partnership with Esusu, an innovative fintech platform transforming lives through rental data, credit building and financial inclusion.
Together, the organizations will provide thousands of renters across the U.S. with affordable access to career training that combines industry-recognized technical instruction, best-in-class career coaching and dedicated job search support — equipping them with the skills they need to move up the economic ladder.
At a time when costs are rising on everything from groceries to electricity bills, many Americans face growing financial uncertainty. But this new, innovative partnership between Merit America and Esusu will expand access to workforce training programs nationwide, providing renters with the skills necessary to secure higher-wage jobs. Through this collaboration, Esusu renters will receive exclusive tuition discounts of $250, plus $0 upfront access to Merit America’s flexible, fast, and industry-aligned programs, opening pathways to higher-paying roles without taking on massive debt.
To date, Merit America has served more than 15,000 learners nationwide, many of whom have reported significant wage gains that help them pay rent, reduce debt, and build long-term financial security. On average, Merit America alumni experience a $21,000 wage increase three or more months after completing the program. Yet for millions of renters, education costs remain a major barrier, often forcing them to choose between paying rent and investing in training. This partnership eases that burden by offering Esusu users access to the program with no upfront costs and repayment only if and when they earn at least $40,000 annually.
“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to building financial stability and upward mobility for Americans,” said Connor Diemand-Yauman and Rebecca Taber Staehelin, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of Merit America. “As rising costs force many renters to make difficult tradeoffs, this collaboration removes a key barrier to training by eliminating upfront costs. Together with Esusu, we are connecting renters to industry-recognized training while also offering the coaching and community support needed to secure long-term economic stability.”
“At Esusu, our goal is to bridge financial opportunity gaps and unlock pathways to economic mobility for everyone,” said Esusu co-founders and co-CEOs Wemimo Abbey and Samir Goel. “This partnership with Merit America exemplifies our commitment to helping renters not only improve their credit and financial health, but also access transformative career training. By joining forces, we’re empowering individuals to build skills that drive lasting financial security, truly reflecting our vision of an inclusive and equitable future.”
Through the partnership, Esusu renters will now receive a tuition discount and access to Merit America’s innovative model: industry-recognized credentials in as little as 14 weeks, plus personalized support through coaching, peer communities, and dedicated job search support. Potential learning areas include: IT Support, Data Analytics, UX Design, Cybersecurity, Project Management, HR+, Semiconductor/Advanced Manufacturing, and Supply Chain Planning.
Applications for the first Esusu-Merit America cohort are now open on Esusu’s app and will close on Oct. 14. The cohort begins Nov. 4, with additional cohorts planned for January 2026.
About Merit America
Merit America is a national nonprofit preparing workers stuck in low-wage roles for family-sustaining careers at scale. Named by the New York Times as “the hybrid future of training programs for the disadvantaged,” Merit America offers fast and flexible training and job search programs that work for working adults, and are aligned to the most in-demand roles in the fastest-growing sectors of the U.S. economy. Founded in 2018, Merit America has served more than 15,000 learners across the country, and has driven more than an estimated $1 billion in cumulative wage gains. For more information, visit https://meritamerica.org/about/
About Esusu
Esusu is the leading financial technology platform that leverages data solutions to empower residents and improve property performance. Esusu’s rent reporting platform captures rental payment data and reports it to credit bureaus to boost credit scores. Founded in 2018, Esusu reaches over 5 million rental units across all 50 states in the United States. Learn more at www.esusurent.com and follow on Instagram @myesusu and on Twitter @getesusu.
Media Contact: Will Whitmire | wwhitmire@skdknick.com| (954)-439-3395