Career Kickstarter: Merit America Bay Area Events

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.
• 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.

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 squad is made of a 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.

Your job success specialist help you find job opportunities that match your interests and skills. We also have an employer partnerships team that sources jobs directly from employers that are tailored for Merit America alumni.

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, 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!