Case Study: GEER helps Jackson County students earn verified career credentials with Merit

Incentivizing students to meet goals for a bright future

The Jackson County Chamber, United Way, and Economic Development Foundation, working on a GEER grant, needed a better way to improve high school graduates' career readiness and connect them with local in-demand occupations in Jackson County. Their challenge was overcoming legacy communication methods that failed to connect with qualified candidates and the lack of a convenient way for students to carry and verify their credentials, which led to lost opportunities.

Merit implemented its digital app to issue verified digital credentials for students' achievements, CTE certifications, and volunteer hours. The Merit platform empowered students with verified resumes, provided career exploration videos, and connected them with career coaches to guide them toward skilled careers, education, or enlistment, thereby tracking their real-time progress toward future goals.

GEER