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 Workspace, 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. Most learners spend about 15–25 hours per week across self-paced coursework, live workshops, and career coaching.

Workshops are topic-based and scheduled in the evenings and on weekends with multiple session options to choose from, so you can pick what fits your week. Your self-paced 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 works with you to chart your career path, with dedicated coaching available throughout the program.

Live, topic-based workshops cover what you need most — from interviewing to resumes to LinkedIn. You can choose workshops that fit your schedule, with multiple session options each week and evening and weekend availability.

Your technical advisor is available to direct you to resources if you need help with your technical coursework.

After you complete the Immersion phase of your program, alumni career support continues — either through a structured 4-week job-search sprint with a dedicated Alumni Career Coach, or on-demand 1:1 Career Services you can use anytime as an alum.

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-placement support. Because of this, the majority of job-seeking alumni are placed in new jobs within three months of completion.

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

Lyft does not cover your program fee, but we offer flexible options that allow you to start the program with $0 upfront. See here for more details.

Drivers who enroll in Merit America’s full Career Track programs are eligible for a welcome kit and gift cards. These programs are typically 14+ weeks in length.

At this time, welcome kits and gift cards are not available in Merit America’s “Essentials” programs, which are typically 6 weeks in length.

Eligible Lyft drivers in Merit America’s Career Track programs (14+ weeks in length) receive extra gifts on the following schedule:

• Upon confirming your enrollment, you’ll receive a co-branded Lyft / Merit America welcome kit.
• Once you enter the Foundations stage, you’ll become eligible for your first $100 gas card, sent in the next monthly reward cycle.
• Upon completing the Immersion phase of the program, you’ll become eligible for your second $100 gas card, also sent in the next monthly reward cycle.

Welcome kits and gift cards are not available in Essentials programs (typically 6 weeks in length).

If you haven’t received your gift card or welcome kit and you’re enrolled in a Career Track program, please reach out to lyftsupport@meritamerica.org for additional support.