Merit America Spotlights the Lasting Impact of a Living Wage

Merit America uses the power of film and storytelling to illustrate the transformative influence of its mission and work. By humanising the stories of working adults stuck in low-wage jobs and highlighting their journey to family-sustaining careers, the intangible impact of Merit America becomes visible. Guided by director Savannah O’Leary of SLMBR PRTY, these documentary-style films follow two learners who’ve participated in Merit America’s program, changing the trajectory of their lives.

Merit America’s tech training programs are designed to solve an ongoing crisis: nearly half of today’s workforce does not earn enough money to sustain themselves or their families. By combining flexible technical training with best-in-class coaching and career support, Merit America charts the course toward stable, rewarding careers. The nonprofit is at the helm of a movement to shift what employers are looking for in new hires, de-center college as the only mainstream pathway to career success, and move thousands of people into the middle class. To date, they've served over 10,000 learners, with an average yearly wage increase of $24,000 after completing the program.

Hearing directly from learners crystalizes Merit America's long-term effects on people’s lives. At the centre of these films are Amy and John, two people in Kyle, Texas, who’ve benefited from Merit America’s programs and utilised their continued education to lead stable, fulfilling careers. Shot with an intimate crew on location, Savannah O’Leary captures the grace and beauty of everyday life. Each film is overflowing with the intimacy of family and the radiance of the human spirit, with flourishes of humour and quirks that speak to the warmth of a thriving home. 

“Everyone who touched these spots put in their all, and then some,” remarked director Savannah O’Leary. “It was one of those dream shoots where you can feel the crew’s work is made with love. John and Amy were wonderful collaborators—opening their homes to us, showing us beautiful natural landscapes around Kyle, Texas, and involving their families.”

Brittany Davis-Green, director of communications at Merit America, added, “Every learner's motivation is unique and powerful, and we aimed to capture that essence with this project. Savannah and the team created authentic narratives that showcase the transformative power of skills-based training and inspire others to see Merit America as a viable pathway to career growth and financial stability. These videos depict personal growth and career advancement and demonstrate the broader impact on the quality of life for our learners and their families, transforming their American dreams into reality.”