Explore Community Resources

AARP Friendly Voice – We may be isolated, but we don’t have to be alone. Sometimes, just hearing a friendly voice on the other end of the line can help in challenging times. Trained AARP Friendly Voice volunteers will provide a call to say hello.

Request a call:

• Call 1-888-281-0145 and leave your information, someone will call you back.
• Llámanos directamente al 1-888-497-4108.

• AARP: Family Caregiving
• Caring Across Generations Tender – Family caregiving app to help organize information, connect with other caregivers, and navigate services.
• Guide for Caregivers – talking to family, friends, and loved ones about care.
• National Alliance for Caregiving:
  • Guidebook for Caregivers of Children With Rare and/or Serious Illnesses
  • Guidebook for Mental Health Caregivers
  • Memory Loss Conversation Guide
  • Falls Prevention Conversation Guide
• Rosalynn Carter Institute on Caregiving:
  • Invisible Overtime: What Employers Need to Know
  • Caring for You, Caring for Me
  • Working While Caring
• Home Instead: Dementia Home Care Grant
• Benefits CheckUp
• National Council on Aging: Caregiver Support
• Justice in Aging Resource Library
• Friends of the Children

Access severe cold and winter storm updates that can affect travel, power, heating, and personal safety. These national resources provide real-time alerts, safety guidance, and support no matter where you are in the U.S.

Wizard Perks are benefits designed to support you with practical solutions that make everyday challenges easier to manage. You have access to discounts such as:

• Exclusive hotel deals when you’ve got an interview in another city.
• Car rental discounts when your car’s in the shop and you need to get to work.
• Free items on Wednesdays to help stretch your budget!

Learn more and create your Wizard Perks account.

Feeding America: Find your local food bank here.

USDA National Hunger Hotline: The clearinghouse aids low-income individuals or communities by providing food assistance and other nutrition and social services information.

• By Phone: 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Eastern Time)
• By Text: Text to the automated service at 914-342-7744 with a keyword such as “food”, “summer”, or “meals”.

Explore Federal Food Assistance Programs

These resources include anyone impacted by the justice system:

• Federal Bonding Program (sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor)
• Record Clearing (a.k.a. “expungement”, “non-disclosure”, or “record sealing”)
• Career One Stop

• National Housing Conference
• HUD Exchange
• Continuum of Care (CoC) Homeless Assistance Program

Access our resource on immigrant rights and support.

• Essentials to Work (in partnership with Lyft)
• 211 (United Way) – By calling 211 or visiting 211.org

National Call Center for Homeless Veterans (24/7): Assists homeless Veterans and their families.

• Phone: 1-877-4AID VET (1-877-424-3838)
• Homeless Veterans Online Chat
• Veteran Call Center for Re-Entry Counseling

The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS): offers compassionate care to all those grieving the death of a loved one serving in our Armed Forces.

• Online Community Support
• Phone: 1-800-959-TAPS (8277)

JAN Network – The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a comprehensive resource offering free, expert, and confidential guidance on job accommodations and disability employment issues.

No matter how long it’s been since you completed the Merit America program, our dedicated Alumni Career Coaches are here for you! They can support you with interview prep, resume and cover letter help, LinkedIn profiles, and more.

• Book a 1:1 via Calendly
• Email alumnicareers@meritamerica.org

Explore our list of Job Boards for your career journey!

Who is Launch? Your Ascent Zero Percent Loan is serviced through Launch Servicing – your one-stop shop for managing everything loan-related.

• Register your account with the same email you used with Ascent.
• Repayment starts: 3 months after you complete your Immersion phase or exit date (whichever is earlier).
• Need more time? Contact Launch Servicing at 1-877-209-5297 or fill out the Launch Servicing Deferment Form.
• Questions? Call 1-877-209-5297 (M-F 7am-7pm CST).

Visit our Learner Help Center for more.

Big Interview is an excellent free resource for interview preparation!

• Get started with Big Interview and click “Register” in the top right corner.
• Use organization code 0859.

Getting Started with Goldi AI:

• Watch this video to learn more about Goldi.
• Create an account with Goldi.

• Empowerwork.org – A nonprofit dedicated to transforming the way people receive support in the workplace.
• EARN Job Seeker Resources – Target audience: learners with disabilities.

The #1 Job Search Engine powered by AI. Discover exciting jobs and track your applications in one place. Visit HiringCafe!

Remote Work-focused Sites:

• No Desk
• FlexJobs
• Remote IO
• Remote Co

Generic resumes get lost in the noise. Huntr’s latest guide on tailoring your resume breaks down how to translate your experience into the keywords recruiters are actually looking for.

We’ve partnered with TrustPlus, a mission-driven nonprofit offering free, confidential, one-on-one financial coaching.

• English Flyer & FAQ
• Spanish Flyer & FAQ

👉 Pro tip: If the issue is software-related, start with free options. Paid services usually only make sense for hardware issues.

Free Tech Support Options:

• Reddit’s r/techsupport – Active online community where volunteers help troubleshoot.
• Microsoft Support / Apple Support – Free chat/phone support for common issues.
• Local Public Libraries – Many offer free computer help sessions.
• Senior Planet / OATS – Free tech support resources for anyone.
• Manufacturer Support (Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, etc.) – Free chat or call support.

Low-Cost Tech Support Options:

• Best Buy Geek Squad (Single Service) – ~$40–$100 depending on the service.
• uBreakiFix (by Asurion) – Affordable in-person repairs and support.
• Local Computer Repair Shops – Often cheaper than Geek Squad.
• Micro Center / Staples Tech Services – Lower-cost alternatives for diagnostics.

25 Google Chrome Extensions for Accessibility – Includes speech-to-text, text-to-speech, readability, focus, and reading comprehension options.

• Database of Public Libraries
• United Way: Find local resources near you, or call 2-1-1.
• USA Job Centers: Locate an American Job Center near you.
• YMCA/YWCA: YMCA and YWCA – Many locations offer day passes with computer and Wi-Fi access.
• Goodwill: Locator tool

Virtual Events: RSVP or view recorded events here.

Continued Education: Learn more about our university partnerships!

Alumni Only Coursera Access: Claim your access by completing this opt-in form. (Note: In-Program learners will be denied access to this catalog).

• USA Learns – Free platform for adults learning English and preparing for U.S. citizenship.
• Grammarly & Grammarly Tutorials
• Duolingo
• Improve Your English Communication Skills (Coursera)
• Learn English: Intermediate Grammar (Coursera)
• English Improve
• Interviewing in Your Second Language
• Acing Your Job Interview in a Second Language
• Job Interview Tips for Non-Native English Speakers

• Free – Public Libraries: Database of libraries. Many have hotspot lending programs.
• Free – Local Support & Schools: Find a location near you.
• PCs for People: Low-cost internet services.
• EveryoneOn: Learn more.
• Internet Essentials by Comcast: Discounted internet plans.
• T-Mobile Project 10-Million: Free or low-cost hotspots for eligible K-12 students.
• AT&T Access: Low-cost internet service for eligible households.

Visit our Help Center with full program guides!

Track Specific Folders:

• Cybersecurity Notes & Resources
• Data Analytics Notes & Resources
• Human Resources Notes & Resources
• IT Support Notes & Resources
• Project Management Notes & Resources
• UX Design Notes & Resources

• Human-I-T: Laptops under $500.
• PCs for People: Refurbished computers at low cost.
• Free Geek: Portland, OR and Chicago, IL.
• Computers with Causes: Individual applications for refurbished tech.

All of the following resources are free!

Cyber Security: CyberDefenders

Data Analytics: Kaggle

Human Resources: 10 In-Demand HR Skills | How to Break Into the Field

IT Support: OverTheWire

Project Management: Scrum Training | Trello (Free Plan) | ClickUp (Free Plan)

UX Design: Daily UI | Sharpen | UX Games

• Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453.
• DoD Safe Helpline: Call 1-877-995-5247. 24/7 support for sexual assault survivors within the DoD community.
• Love is Respect (Dating Abuse): Call 1-866-331-9474 or Text 22522.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233.
• National Human Trafficking Resource Center: Call 1-888-373-7888.
• National Runaway Safeline: Call 1-800-RUNAWAY.

• National Council on Problem Gambling: Call or text 1-800-522-4700 (24/7).
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Free and confidential treatment referral.
• National Eating Disorders Association: Support for individuals and families affected by eating disorders.

Your well-being matters. All One Health offers free, confidential support for everything from stress and relationships to financial concerns and mental health.

Explore All One Health services here. This is available for Learners, Alumni, friends, and family.

Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan.

• Stomp Out Bullying – Focused on reducing and preventing bullying, cyberbullying, and digital abuse.
• StopBullying.gov – Government information on what bullying is and how to prevent it.

National Center for Victims of Crime: Advocates for victims’ rights and serves as a trusted source of information on victims’ issues.

• National VictimConnect Helpline: Call 1-855-4-VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)
• Victim Connect Online Chat
• Connect Directory (Local Assistance)
• Stalking Resource Center

• Compassionate Friends: Call 1-877-969-0010. Support for bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents. Find a Chapter | Online Support Groups
• Crisis Text Line: Free, 24/7 support texting service for those in crisis.

• Human Rights Campaign Resources
• GLBT National Hotline: Call 1-888-843-4564.
• The Trevor Project: Call 1-212-695-8650. Crisis intervention for LGBTQ youth.
• Coming Out Support Hotline
• Trans Lifeline Hotline: Staffed by transgender people for transgender people in crisis.

Disaster Distress Helpline: Year-round crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters.

• Phone: 1-800-985-5990
• Text: TalkWithUs to 66746

Hurricanes & Federal Relief:

• FEMA.gov
• FindHelp.org
• Access various hurricane resources from POPs.

• Darebee.com – 100% free site with visual workout plans, challenges, and programs.
• HASfit – Free fitness programs for all levels.

National Suicide and Crisis Hotline: Dial 988 to connect with trained professionals 24/7.

S.A.F.E. Alternatives (Info only): Call 1-800-366-8288. Education and support, promoting healthy choices over self-injury.