At Merit America, we focus on equipping adults with the skills needed to begin a new career in an entry-level position. We encourage you to choose the program that aligns best with your specific career goals. You can only apply for and complete one program. Our programs are designed to be standalone, meaning they do not build upon each other. We are committed to providing a comprehensive experience tailored to your chosen program, ensuring you receive the necessary skills and support for a successful transition into your desired field.
Applying to Merit America
Information on how to apply to our program and the eligibility requirements
We’re thrilled to hear that you’re interested in joining our program!
Are you ready to take the first step?
Use this link to begin the application process!
At Merit America, we believe in assessing candidates for qualities crucial for success in the job market — most importantly, we look for grit.
- The first step toward a new career is to apply for one of our programs.
- Once you submit your application, if you meet our eligibility requirements, you will be directed to complete the initial assessment. This assessment consists of 16 questions designed to gauge your problem-solving skills and reading abilities, helping us gain better insights into your potential.
- Following successful completion of the initial assessment, you will receive a track-specific Intro to Merit Americacourse. This course is a prerequisite for full enrollment in our program and is meant to be completed independently within seven days of receiving the invitation.
- Once you have completed the Intro to Merit America course, the next step is a Video Introduction. If you’re curious about how to prepare for this interview, we have a helpful article HERE filled with valuable tips!
- After completing your video introduction, you will confirm your admission. Once that’s done, your life-changing experience in our program will begin!
Yes! We understand that your career goals and interests may evolve over time. The process for switching programs will vary depending on your progress within the admissions process. For more information on switching programs, reach out to us here for your next steps.
We understand that completing a video introduction may feel a bit intimidating. This article will help you feel more at ease and confident during this important final step of the admissions process.
The approximately 20-minute, one-way video introduction can be completed conveniently from your mobile device or computer. You will be asked three open-ended questions about how you feel before beginning this transformative career journey and what you would say to your future self. You will be given four opportunities to record your responses for each question. During the video introduction, we will be looking for three specific things:
- Professionalism:
- Ensure you show up professionally on camera so make sure you opt for a neat appearance, think of something you might wear to a formal event like church or school picture day, in addition to finding a quiet, distraction free environment to record.
- Basic technical skills
- Demonstrate basic technical skills such as: having your face framed within camera, choosing adequate lighting, and ensuring the sound is clear.
- English proficiency
- Demonstrate you are proficient in English.
- To ensure a successful introduction consider the following tips:
- Set up a professional environment with proper lighting and a suitable background, minimizing any potential interruptions.
- Dress in your best and maintain eye contact with your webcam, treating the video introduction as you would a formal face-to-face meeting.
- Treat this introduction as a video journal entry for your future self. Take your time and answer each question thoughtfully and completely.
We hope these tips help you feel better prepared and more confident about this part of the process. Once your video introduction has been evaluated, you will be contacted with further updates. You can do this!
If a video introduction is not accessible to you to due disability please reach out to our admissions team at admissions@meritamerica.org.
Watch this video to learn more about what to expect during your introduction.
At Merit America, we believe in creating a strong connection with our learners. You, our learners, are at the heart of our organization, and we place immense value on building personal connections. We love getting to know you, witnessing your passion for this opportunity, and observing your dedication to transforming your life through a new, higher-paying career.
- We genuinely want to meet you! Seeing and hearing from our potential learners allows us to get to know each unique individual who applies to our programs. It helps us understand your passion, dedication, and readiness to change your life through a new, higher-paying career.
- We want you to see how it feels to be on video! In our programs, we emphasize collaboration and engagement. Through squad sessions and Zoom meetings with your Coach, you’ll be required to be on camera. The video introduction gives you an opportunity to become familiar and comfortable being on camera, preparing you for these interactions.
- We want you to be real world ready! Interviews and networking introductions are a common part of the job search process. Whether a job is fully remote or not, many companies conduct interviews using video chat software like Zoom. Consider our video introduction as valuable practice for when you embark on this exciting next phase of your career.
- We want you to see your growth! At the end of this program looking back on this video will serve as a reminder of the growth and transformation that has occurred through your own hard-work, perseverance, and dedication. Take the time to remember how this moment feels before things change for the better.
Show up for your future self. We’re here to help you build a path to success.
Our desire is for all of our applicants to succeed throughout the entire admissions process and beyond. We encourage you to show up as you are, wherever you are in your career journey. Check out these resources on our FAQ page, including: “How To Prepare for the video introduction: To Future You” and this professionalism guide.
We are looking for your commitment and best effort at taking this thrilling next step in your career journey. Relax, take a breath, and be yourself. We are so excited to meet you and support you throughout your transformative journey!
If a video introduction is not accessible to you to due disability please reach out to our admissions team at admissions@meritamerica.org
Once you have submitted your video introduction, our team will review it within 5-7 business days (excluding weekends and holidays). You will receive an email on the status of your admission as soon as the review process is completed.
Rest assured that there is no need to inform us separately about the completion of your introduction, as our team will automatically identify and assess it. However, if you have not received any communication from us within 7 business days, please don’t hesitate to reach out to admissions@meritamerica.org for further assistance.
Please note that contacting us before the allotted time frame may not result in an immediate update.
If you were not selected for the program of your choice after completing any stage of the admissions process, we encourage you to try again!
You will be eligible to reapply after a period of 30 days. To determine your new eligibility date, please reach out to us at admissions@meritamerica.org.
There is no need to submit a new application through our website. We appreciate your continued interest and look forward to supporting your journey towards success with Merit America.
To be eligible for any of Merit America’s programs, the following must be true:
- You have a high school diploma or GED.
- Associates and bachelor’s degree holders are welcome.
- You do not have a graduate degree and are not currently enrolled in a graduate program.
- You are a fluent English speaker, reader, and writer.
- You are a resident of the U.S. and authorized to work in the U.S.
- DACA and Temporary Residents must have a status/visa that does not expire within six months of the Immersion start date.
- Residents of U.S. territories are eligible for our program.
- You are 18 years of age or older.
- You will be seeking full-time employment upon completion of the program.
Changes in your eligibility may result in removal from the program.
To ensure a smooth and optimal learning experience, we have certain device requirements for our program. The basic requirements are:
- A laptop or desktop computer with at least 4 GB of RAM,
- Operating System: Windows 8+ or macOS 10.15.1 Catalina or newer
- Processor: Intel Pentium 2 GHz or faster, or an equivalent processor
- Minimum of 50 GB disk space available
- High-speed internet access
- A webcam with audio input
Please note that Chromebooks do not meet the necessary requirements as they do not have the processing power required to complete the program effectively.
A desktop or laptop computer with 8BG of memory and internet access is required for the Merit America program. If you don’t have a computer, there are a number of places where you can access or acquire free or low-cost desktop or laptop computers. These include:
- Public libraries: Public libraries often have computers and internet access that is available to the public. Many libraries also offer free classes and workshops on how to use computers and the internet. Some libraries also offer free or low-cost desktop or laptop computers for checkout.
- Nonprofit organizations: There are a number of nonprofit organizations that provide free or low-cost computers to low-income families. These organizations may also offer free or low-cost classes and workshops on how to use computers and the internet. Note: the links below do not constitute endorsements by Merit America.
- EveryoneOn can help find low-cost internet service and computers in your area
- Your local United Way or your local Goodwill can offer free or low-cost computers
- You can find more ideas here: https://thecouponproject.com/get-free-laptops/
- Government programs: There are a number of government programs that provide free or low-cost computers to low-income families. These programs include the following:
- The Lifeline program: The Lifeline program is a federal program that provides free or low-cost phone service to low-income families. Some Lifeline providers also offer free or low-cost laptops to Lifeline customers.
- The EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit): The EITC is a tax credit for low- and moderate-income workers. Some states offer a state EITC that is in addition to the federal EITC. Some states also offer a state EITC that can be used to purchase a computer.
If you don’t have a computer at the start of the program, Merit America may be able to help you acquire a low-cost computer.
Absolutely not! Merit America’s programs are built for individuals without degrees. Our programs are designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your chosen field, regardless of your educational background. We believe in the power of skills-based education and are dedicated to supporting individuals in their career advancement, irrespective of formal degrees.
Unfortunately, our program is only open to applicants who are residents of the United States.
No, you do not need a technical background to thrive in Merit America’s programs. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and skill sets. All you need is grit, determination, and the time in your schedule to dedicate to the program. However, it is worth noting that for the Java program, familiarity with coding is recommended due to its pace and workload.
If you have obtained your bachelor’s degree from a different country, you are still eligible to apply for any of our programs, as long as you meet all the other eligibility requirements. Merit America welcomes applicants with international degrees and values the diverse perspectives and experiences they bring to our programs.
At Merit America, our programs are designed to prepare learners for entry-level positions in specific fields. Each program is independent and does not build upon previous programs. However, if you successfully complete one program and have the desire to pursue a different program that aligns with your career progression and goals, you are welcome to apply for the new program.
You will not have to complete the admissions process again; you simply need to speak with your coach. Once your coach endorses your decision to complete another program, they will contact admissions to enroll you in the follow-on program.
Learners are only eligible to use the Zero Percent Loan once. Any additional programs will need to be paid for in full upfront.
Yes! We strive to make our program accessible and supportive. As part of this commitment, we provide a limited supply of refurbished laptops that meet our program’s requirements. To be eligible for a device, you must complete the entire admissions process and annotate on the squad selection survey that you do not have a device that meets our requirements. Once we have this information, we will reach out to you. If you wish to request a computer, you must cover your program cost upfront or apply for a Zero Percent Loan from Ascent Funding. Unfortunately, sponsored applicants are not eligible to receive a device. After confirming payment or loan approval, we will share a link to request your computer, which will be sent directly to your home address.
A few details:
- Each participant is eligible for one laptop. No replacements or repairs are provided.
- If you choose the Zero Percent Loan from Ascent, your loan will be for the same amount as all other learners ($5700)–the computer is our gift to you. You will need to complete the loan application before we send your computer. You can cancel the loan, like other learners, until the end of Week 5 if the program isn’t the right fit. You can learn more about the loan here.
- If you leave the program or cancel your loan, we ask that you return the computer to us so that we can make it available to future learners.