Early Warning Services, LLC, owners of Zelle, announces a sponsorship grant and hiring partnership with national nonprofit workforce development organization Merit America. The grant and partnership will provide technical skills training and career development opportunities to individuals without college degrees in the Phoenix Metro Area, where Early Warning’s headquarters is located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Opportunities are open to eligible individuals in the community as well as Early Warning’s employees.
The available programs offer training for in-demand technical skills including IT support, Data Analytics and Java Development, along with professional skills development and personalized career coaching to prepare learners for new roles. Through this partnership, Early Warning will help bolster the reach and impact of these programs by facilitating introductions to other local partners and employers, and by working with Merit America to source candidates and align on their career goals.
“We know there are many individuals in our local communities that aspire to pursue professional development opportunities, especially in technology,” said Natalie Schwimer, Chief People Officer at Early Warning. “Through our grant and partnership with Merit America, we are investing in the career growth of our employees and overall community by providing a new pathway for success.”
Merit America’s programs are designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing a diverse range of individuals to easily balance learning with work, family, and other personal obligations. The opportunities stemming from Early Warning’s grants will focus on serving underrepresented groups in tech, including women, gender-nonconforming and nonbinary individuals.
“We believe it should never be too hard or too late to advance your career, and so we are thrilled to partner with Early Warning to reach more learners in the Phoenix Metro Area,” said Rebecca Taber-Staehelin, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Merit America. “By breaking down roadblocks to career growth, we are preparing hardworking individuals for new careers with transformative wage gains that will translate into down-payments for homes, rainy day funds, or just a bit of breathing room during uncertain times.”
In partnership, Early Warning and Merit America teams will also collaborate to create additional opportunities for program participants through hosting networking events and streamlining the process for program completers to apply for careers at Early Warning. Merit America will assist Early Warning’s recruiters, hiring managers and leadership throughout the process to ensure successful and equitable candidate hiring.
