Launch your new career while shopping with Instacart
Merit America and Instacart are proud to partner to help you learn the skills you need to advance your career. Apply between April 16, 2026 and Sept 1, 2026 for a chance at a $1000 scholarship.
A path that helps you accelerate your career
Merit America is on a mission to create a scalable pathway for workers to join the middle class through merit, not money.
Through our partnership with Instacart, we’re helping shoppers like you earn an industry-recognized credential from Google in as little as 16 weeks, with the flexibility you need to continue working. As part of this partnership, Merit America and Instacart are offering:
Get started in 4 steps
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Apply through this page
Choose your program track and complete the assessment to confirm eligibility.
Apply here to lock in your discount and scholarship eligibility. -
Verify your Instacart Shopper status
Email a screenshot of your active Shopper profile to instacartverification@meritamerica.org
Takes less than 2 minutes. Must be done before your program starts. -
Enroll in your program
Confirm your admission and you’ll receive the scholarship application via email.
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Complete your scholarship essay
Answer one short essay about how the program supports your goals. You’ll be notified at Week 4.
Even if not selected, you still receive the $250 discount.
Requirements and selection details
In partnership with Instacart, we’re awarding 20 Instacart-funded scholarships to eligible shoppers to help remove financial barriers for those pursuing career training.
Each scholarship is worth $1,000.
If selected and you complete the program, $1,000 is applied to reduce your total cost.
If selected but you don’t complete the program, the scholarship is not applied.
Not selected? You still receive a $250 discount on your program just for applying.
How to apply for a scholarship
Follow these steps to complete your application, verify your Shopper status, and be considered for funding.
1
Complete the Merit America application
Submit your application and meet our standard eligibility criteria. The application takes about 15 minutes and includes a short skills assessment.
Must apply between April 16 and September 1, 2026
2
Verify your Instacart Shopper status
Email a screenshot of your active Instacart Shopper profile to instacartverification@meritamerica.org to confirm your scholarship eligibility.
Takes less than 2 minutes
3
Confirm admission and enroll
Accept your admission to Merit America and officially enroll in your chosen program track. You’ll receive a scholarship application via email after enrollment.
4
Complete the scholarship essay
Answer one short essay question asking how the program supports your professional and/or personal goals.
Selection is based on the strength of your application and your performance in the program. You’ll be notified of your selection status via email at Week 4.
5
Complete your program by December 31, 2026
Once you successfully complete your program, the $1,000 scholarship is applied to reduce your total Merit America program cost.
Learn in-demand skills without quitting your day job
Our programs are built for working adults — part-time, flexible, and focused on real-world results. You’ll earn industry-recognized credentials from providers like Google while learning the skills employers need most. Choose a career that matches your strengths, skills, and interests.
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IT Support
Monitor and manage hardware, software, and networks within an organization.
Learn more -
Data Analytics
Analyze raw data for insights and apply those patterns towards decision making.
Learn more -
UX Design
Create user experiences with products that are useful, enjoyable, and accessible.
Learn more -
Cybersecurity
Monitor and protect networks, devices, people, and data.
Learn more -
Project Management
Lead projects to ensure successful outcomes through strategic thinking.
Learn more -
Human Resources+
Create workplaces where people and businesses thrive.
Learn more -
Supply Chain
Learn logistics, inventory, and operations management skills.
Learn more -
Semiconductor
Work with tools to build microchips for electronics, cars, and smart devices.
Learn more -
Operations+
Optimize business processes and eliminate bottlenecks using AI-driven strategies.
Learn more - Which program is right for you?
Hear from Merit America’s Instacart shoppers
Victoria
Project Management“I enjoy speaking with people… I like being a part of the team!” Victoria, an Instacart shopper of over two years, recently began her journey in Merit America’s Project Management track. Inspired by her love for working with people and creating team-driven experiences, she found herself drawn to Project Management.
Rhiannon
UX Design“I thought UX Design fit my personality and needs the best.” Rhiannon joined Merit America after spending over 2.5 years as a Shopper, discovering a passion for designing user-friendly experiences. With no prior tech experience, Rhiannon saw Merit America as the perfect opportunity to transform her career.
Cecelia
UX Design“I’m just excited for the opportunity!” Cecelia, a stay-at-home mom of seven and a dedicated homeschooler for over 20 years, discovered Merit America’s UX Design program. Motivated by her goal for a stable career and the ability to obtain job training with $0 upfront, she’s diving into her studies.
Frequently asked questions
If the following FAQs don’t answer your question, email admissions@meritamerica.org.
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.
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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.
Ready to take the first step? The application takes about 15 minutes.
Apply now