Leveraging Technology to Transform Lives

Investing in Innovators to Drive Economic Mobility

Social sector leaders committed to combating the vexing problems that limit economic and social mobility understand that it is critical to increase their scale, achieve better outcomes, and do so cost-efficiently without reducing quality. For many, technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) and other data- and tech-enabled solutions, has become the centerpiece of this work. Several of Blue Meridian’s investments leverage technology to increase economic opportunity for American families. Whether by preparing people for jobs of the future or streamlining access to benefits and services, organizations are removing intractable barriers to upward mobility.

We support Merit America and Per Scholas—two organizations utilizing technology to develop models that scale more easily and cost-effectively to offer accessible job training programs that propel low-wage workers to in-demand tech careers.

Merit America is a national nonprofit that helps participants secure sustainable tech jobs through multi-week certificate programs delivered by industry-recognized technical training partners like Google. Program completers also receive support from career coaches as they navigate their career paths. As of 2024, alumni reported an average annual wage increase of nearly $21,000 three or more months after completing the program.

Per Scholas has trained more than 30,000 adults in high-demand tech skills, unlocking over $2.1 billion in increased earnings and expanding representation of women and people of color in a sector where they remain underrepresented. Through hands-on, no-cost training for learners and strong employer partnerships, Per Scholas is building a skills-first tech workforce and driving economic mobility nationwide.

Additionally, applications of technology that increase access to and streamline renewal of benefits are demonstrating the potential to deconstruct the complex bureaucratic systems that trap people in poverty. AI integrations, such as those leveraged by Code for America and The Clean Slate Initiative, are saving time for beneficiaries while reducing costs for government agencies.

Code for America uses technology to help states redesign their benefits systems and empower more people to access critical government services. Streamlining complicated applications into simple, digital-first services can shave the process from hours to minutes, helping people get assistance with food, childcare, housing, cash tax credits and more. The organization also helps the government use artificial intelligence in human-centered ways through its AI Studio.

The Clean Slate Initiative (CSI) works nationwide, and in Congress, to pass and implement Clean Slate laws that automate record sealing for eligible records, and to expand eligibility, helping millions access better jobs, housing, and education. Automated record sealing leverages technology to screen records and notify relevant agencies and individuals about record status. Over 16 million people are now eligible for full or partial record sealing in the 12 states and Washington, D.C., that have passed Clean Slate laws.

These examples demonstrate the promise of technology to increase opportunities in the US. Furthermore, philanthropists – including some within our Partner group – are further innovating on how AI can create economic mobility by supporting frontline workers.

Blue Meridian Partners is proud to invest in forward-looking ideas that create solutions that boost social and economic mobility. We are eager to see how these organizations use the latest tech to transform the life trajectories of children and families across the country.