Every Instacart shopper has their own goals, whether that’s flexible earnings, supplemental income and, in some cases, a path to a new career. That’s why we’re grateful to partner with Merit America, a leading national workforce development organization that provides accessible, flexible career training for working adults.
As we continue to build on this partnership, today we're announcing 250 new full scholarships for Instacart shoppers through Merit America, representing approximately $1.6 million in value.
250 Scholarships, Available Immediately
Many shoppers look for new ways to grow and build skills alongside their work, and as AI continues to reshape the job market, we want those who are interested to have an accessible path to do it. Merit America’s programs are designed to help people explore new career paths and opportunities, which is why Merit America and Instacart are making 250 full Merit America scholarships available to shoppers who enroll by December 31, 2026. Scholarships are first come, first served.
Each scholarship covers the entire cost of a program (each a value of approximately $5,700) across tracks including IT Support, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and UX Design, all of which include AI knowledge-building and practical applications, as well as new programs launched earlier this year in high-demand fields. In addition, participating shoppers can receive up to $750 in support along the way: a $250 stipend early in the program to help with everyday expenses, and a separate $500 at program completion to support their job search.
For shoppers who’ve been thinking about a new career but weren’t sure where to start, these programs offer a clear path. Scholarship spots are first come, first served, so we encourage interested shoppers to apply early.
Building on the Partnership’s Success
More than 6,000 shoppers have started their journey with Merit America since the partnership launched in August 2024, and over 600 have enrolled in career training programs. Many are already reaching the finish line: 100 have completed their programs and entered the job search, and 21 have secured new positions.
And demand has been just as strong for scholarships. Every Instacart-funded scholarship we announced in May was claimed by a shopper, further highlighting the appetite from shoppers for these sorts of programs.
Hearing Firsthand from Shoppers
Over the past several months, we’ve continued to hear how Merit America’s programs have impacted shoppers’ lives and helped them on their career journeys.
As Kelsey, an Instacart shopper and recent data analytics program completer in Birmingham, AL, said, "Over the past few years, I've been focused on personal growth, building my career, and continuing my education. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed and questioned whether I could finish, but I continued because I reminded myself how important this opportunity was for my future — and Merit America provided the support and resources to keep going. The program helped me become more confident in my abilities and taught me how to stay committed to my goals, even when things became challenging."
Similarly, Ernest in San Antonio, TX, had this to say after completing the cybersecurity track: "My Merit America experience has been most impacted by the combination of personalized 1:1 career coaching and access to career-readiness tools. The biggest takeaway was gaining the professional confidence and accountability to navigate my career path proactively, knowing I have a solid framework and support network behind me."
Education that Fits Shoppers’ Lives
Shoppers repeatedly tell us they choose Instacart because it works around their lives. Merit America’s programs are built to do the same for their career goals.
“We’re here to support shoppers in whatever way is best for them, including providing opportunities to grow, learn, and pursue new careers on their schedule,” said Tom Maguire, Vice President and Head of Operations at Instacart. “We’re proud to partner with Merit America to make that possible, with career training built around the realities of shoppers’ lives.”
“Instacart shoppers solve problems, manage competing priorities and take care of customers every day. Those are skills employers value,” said Connor Diemand-Yauman, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Merit America. “As AI reshapes work, these scholarships help shoppers build on that experience with the training and coaching to take the next steps in their careers.”
Are you a shopper who wants to take the next step? Apply today through Merit America. Scholarship spots are first come, first served and available now through December 31, 2026.
