Launch your new career while shopping with Instacart. Free programs available through end of 2026!

Merit America provides a blended learning environment where you will participate in live virtual meetings and complete coursework independently online from industry-recognized partners, like Google.

We leverage learning tools such as the widely used digital workplace platforms and software, including: Zoom, Slack, Google Suite, and our customized Merit America Learner Portal.

To be eligible for any of Merit America’s programs, the following must be true:

• You have a high school diploma or GED.
• Associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree holders are welcome.
• 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.

Merit America programs are flexible to fit into your busy schedule. In our programs, you’ll spend about 15–20 hours/week in online coursework and 3–5 hours/week in sessions with your career coach, technical coach, and squad of your peers.

The sessions are usually after typical business hours, and the coursework can be completed whenever you have free time.

When you join Merit America, there’s a team dedicated to your success.

Your career coach helps you develop the professional skills you need to succeed in the job market, and will work with you to chart your career path.

Your cohort is made of a group of talented people just like you, and you’ll work alongside them to complete coursework and develop projects.

Your technical advisor is available to direct you to appropriate resources if you’re struggling with your technical coursework.

While we can’t guarantee you a job or a specific salary, we can promise we’ll be there to help you every step of the way on your career journey. Our program offers a structured training curriculum, professional career coaching, and job search support. Because of this, the majority of job-seeking alumni are placed in new jobs within three months of completion.

Plus, if you still don’t earn at least $40k within the two years after you complete the Immersion phase of your chosen program, you don’t have to pay — that’s our Merit America Guarantee.

Active Instacart Shoppers who are admitted to and enroll in a Merit America program by December 31, 2026 will receive full program sponsorship. Shoppers currently in a Merit America program do not qualify. Shoppers who enroll in a core program will receive up to $750 in stipends. Shoppers who enroll in a minitrack program will receive 3 months of Linkedin Premium access to support your job search. Verify your status by emailing a screenshot of your profile to instacartverification@meritamerica.org.

You’ll receive a $250 early program stipend after you reach Week 3 and meet with your coach, and a $500 program completion stipend after you complete your program and your program reaches it’s end date. Stipends will be paid via VISA gift cards sent to your email one week after you complete the required steps to earn them.

No. Learners in Workplace AI Essentials or Job Search Accelerator receive your choice of 3 months of LinkedIn Premium or Claude Pro Plan access after completing their program instead.

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