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Workforce & Education Investments, Workforce & Economic Mobility
Two years ago, Bill was working as a bank teller at a Wells Fargo branch near Raleigh, North Carolina. “I received a few hourly raises, but I maxed out what I could earn as a teller,” Bill said.
Bill was looking for a path to increase his earning potential. He had some previous college coursework in video game design, but he did not complete the program.
Then, a friend showed him a TikTok video about Merit America. Bill enrolled in Merit America’s three-month IT Support program with help from the Google Career Certificates Fund. Three months after the program ended, Bill landed at Apple as a technical service advisor, where he has been recognized for excellent performance and promoted to a new role in data systems.
“This program really improved my life,” Bill said. “Merit America really gave me the confidence to apply for jobs I never thought I’d be qualified for. And having the zero-interest loan was a huge relief, knowing I wouldn’t have to deal with paying high interest rates. I am happy that I took a chance and decided to make an investment in myself.”
Beyond financial stability, Bill finds fulfillment in his work.
“Financially, I am comfortable. I pay my monthly loan payments, I paid off my car a few years early, and I’m also able to help my parents with their expenses,” he said.
“This work is rewarding—it’s not just a job to pay the bills, it’s a career where I get up in the morning and I’m excited to go to work.”
