Welcome to your kickoff!
It’s now time to begin your Data Analytics program at Merit America! This page will prepare you for your journey to a new, rewarding career. Be sure to carefully review the information below.
What Should I Do Now?
These upcoming activities are key milestones in starting your Merit America journey and will help orient you to the program. Click the ‘+’ sign for details:
Welcome to the Program Overview!
Congratulations on starting your journey with Merit America! To kick off your program and set yourself up for success, we encourage you to watch the following videos. They will provide essential insights into your learning experience, available resources, and how to navigate your path effectively.
Watch: Program Phases
In this video, you’ll discover:
- What to expect from the program, including squad meetings, 1:1 coaching, and exclusive learner events.
- What the three key phases of your learning journey are—Foundations, Immersion, and Job Success—and the valuable topics each covers.
- How these elements combine to set you up for success and help you land your first role in data analytics.
- Update: Job Success is currently 6 weeks.
Watch: Setting up for Success
In this video, you’ll discover:
- What key ingredients are essential to gaining the professional development skills employers are actively seeking.
- Who your dedicated support team is and how they will guide you from start to finish, ensuring you’re never alone on this journey.
- What best practices you should follow to excel in the program, including how to submit assignments and track your week-by-week progress.
Watch: Tech Platforms Overview
In this video, you’ll discover:
- How the Learner Portal works, including tracking program-related activities, viewing tasks, and managing assignment start and end dates.
- What the prerequisites for the Google Technical Certificate are and how the information will be shared via Coursera.
- Where daily communication will take place and how to stay up to date on Merit America happenings through Slack.
- Click here for our Help Center of Resources and Support guides.
Watch: Covering Program Costs
In this video, you’ll learn:
- How Merit America offers flexible options to ensure programs are accessible to everyone, regardless of financial situation.
- What to expect by Week 5, including the option to cancel your loan if the program is not a good fit.
- Which payment options are available to you, such as Ascent Funding’s Zero Percent Loan, employer sponsorships, and self-funding.
- How the Opportunity for All program works to cover training costs if none of these options are available to you.
- For more information about Covering the Cost of Your Program, visit our Learner Help Center.
When do I have to decide?
Before You Begin
Finalize which payment option works best for you: $0 down with Ascent’s Zero Percent Loan, paying upfront in full, employer sponsorship or applying for our Opportunity for All Program.
Week 1-5: Start Risk-Free
During the first 5 Weeks, you’ll have full access to all coursework, tools, and support. Until the end of Week 5, you will be refunded if the program is not a good fit.
3 Months After Completion
With Ascent’s Zero Percent Loan, you won’t start making payments until at least three months after completing or exiting the program, whichever comes first. You can also defer payment on the Zero Percent Loan until you are earning at least $40,000.
After 2 Years: Merit America Guarantee
If you’re not earning at least $40,000 within two years of completing the Immersion phase, you can request a refund under our Merit America Guarantee.
