At Merit America, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality career development, regardless of their mental health status. That’s why we’re committed to promoting mental health for our learners and providing them with the resources they need to succeed in tech.
In addition to our high-quality curriculum, Merit America supports our learners through our policies, variety of resources and a strong community.
Flexible Coursework Policy
One of the most unique aspects of Merit America’s program is its flexible coursework policy. Unlike many traditional programs, Merit America does not require learners to complete coursework on a weekly basis. Instead, learners are given four weeks to complete assignments in each phase of the program. This gives learners the flexibility they need to balance their coursework with other commitments, such as work, caregiving and/or self-care.
Further, Merit America knows that life happens; unavoidable circumstances arise and events occur that may interfere with a learner’s ability to attend meetings and get work done on time. Our policy is that, once learners enter the Immersion Phase of our program, we will provide them with the additional time they need and the make-up options at hand so that learners can remain in the program without missing out on important learning opportunities.
Free Mental Health Resources
At Merit America, we recognize that education is not just about academic achievement—it’s about the whole person. That’s why we offer a variety of mental health resources to our learners, free of charge.
One of these resources is a confidential well-being program that provides learners with access to support from licensed mental health professionals, including online counseling and a 24/7 support hotline. This service also offers financial counseling, legal consultations, and referrals for matters like housing, utilities, and childcare so learners can get the support they need to navigate life’s challenges.
“When undergoing an intensive program to transition into a new career, it’s not uncommon for mental health to be affected, especially while juggling family responsibilities or engaging in self-reflection,” shared Briana, a Merit America alum. “Resources like the online mental health therapy made available through Merit America have proven to be highly beneficial for me throughout the program. This service allowed me to speak with a professional in the comfort of my own safe space, providing invaluable guidance.”
I am immensely grateful to Merit America for helping me navigate challenging times, ultimately enabling me to successfully complete the program while maintaining accountability with the assistance of my coach.”
Briana, Merit America Alum
Supportive Staff Members
Finally, Merit America is committed to providing learners with supportive staff members who can guide them through every step of their educational journey. Each learner is assigned a coach, who serves as their primary point of contact throughout the program. The coach helps learners set goals, track their progress, and connect with other resources as needed. If at any point a learner has a need for an extension due to a personal crisis or some other sort of extenuating circumstance, a coach is there to help them through, communicating with and supporting them every step of the way.
Additionally, Merit America’s Program Equity Manager Tymerra Coleman is committed to maintaining a learning environment that values the mental health of all learners. She works closely with coaches and learners alike to identify and address any barriers to learning that may exist, advocating and recommending changes to the program for the needs of all learners.
“The learner population at Merit America consists mostly of people from historically marginalized communities, which highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting all learners’ needs holistically. We acknowledge that our program, while significant, represents only one aspect of our learners’ lives,” said Coleman.
Our goal is to deliver a best-in-class program experience while also providing support that helps alleviate the stressors learners may experience while in the program.
Tymerra Coleman, Manager, Program Equity
At Merit America, we believe that education is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. By offering flexible coursework policies, free mental health resources and caring staff members, we strive to create a supportive environment where all learners can thrive. We are committed to providing education that is accessible, relevant and empowering, and we are proud to serve learners from all walks of life.
If you’re interested in starting a new career in tech, Merit America can help! You’ll benefit from peer support and best-in-class coaching while earning industry-recognized credentials. Check out our career tracks and learn more about our programs!