Launch your new career while shopping with Instacart. Free programs available through end of 2026!
Merit America and Instacart are proud to partner to help you learn the skills you need to advance your career. Enroll in any program for free by December 31, 2026. Receive up to $750 if you complete.
This year-end, Merit America and Instacart are covering the full cost of your program, and putting up to $750 in your pocket while you learn.
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.
For a limited time, Merit America and Instacart are offering:
Get started in 4 steps
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Apply here to confirm eligibility and take advantage of this offer.
Choose your program track and complete the assessment to confirm eligibility.
Apply here to lock in your discount and confirm 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 by December 31, 2026.
Confirm your admission and you’ll receive next steps to enroll via email.
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Start your program
We’ll make sure your full program coverage is applied. Reach Week 3 and meet with your coach to receive your $250 early program stipend.
Take the next step towards your new career.
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.
Core programs: full program coverage + $750 in stipends
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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?
Short on time? Start with a minitrack
Complete a minitrack and get 3 months of LinkedIn Premium to support your job search.
Workplace AI Essentials
Learn to use AI tools to save time and improve your work, build a portfolio capstone, and earn the Google AI Professional Certificate.
No-cost trainingIncludes 3 months of LinkedIn Premium on completion.
Job Search Accelerator
Build a standout resume, polish your LinkedIn, and practice real interview simulations — plus a live mock interview with your coach.
No-cost trainingIncludes 3 months of LinkedIn Premium on completion.
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 full program coverage. 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.
Active Instacart Shoppers who are admitted to and enroll in a core Merit America program by December 31, 2026. Verify your status by emailing a screenshot of your profile to instacartverification@meritamerica.org.
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.
No. Learners in Workplace AI Essentials or Job Search Accelerator receive 3 months of LinkedIn Premium after completing their program instead.
IT Support, Data Analytics, UX Design, Cybersecurity, Project Management, Human Resources+, Supply Chain, Semiconductor, and Operations+.
Ready to take the first step? The application takes about 15 minutes.
Apply now