Carol Lowery Lowe’s Grant Manager Lowe’s Grant Program 2013

1.CareerSafe Vouchers 2.State TeamWorks 3.Schools In Need Grant Opportunities

CareerSafe Vouchers Allow students to take an online assessment and earn their OSHA 10-Hour Construction or General Industry safety credentials 3

CareerSafe Vouchers September 30, Vouchers currently in use must be completed by that date or they will expire. 6 months to complete once logged into the system, not one year from date of issued (as in the past) All vouchers are awarded, but many go unused. For 2013, Directors will be provided a list of voucher recipients. 4

State TeamWorks Past States received funds based on # of teams expected to compete Prizes for 1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd for HS and PS 2013 Applications and process Still detailing how grant funds will be distributed Secure sponsorship for prizes 5

Schools in Need Lowe’s Focus! To identify schools, classrooms or students who have a very basic need to improve the quality of the student’s educational experience. Place the dollars in the hands of those who have no other means for obtaining funds. Eligibility for free and reduced lunch in the school population is a key indicator of need. 6

State Directors Role We need your help Identify schools Encourage SkillsUSA Chapter to apply Lead them to and through the grant application process High profile opportunity for Lowe’s 7

Grant Funds Grant awards $2,500 to $25,000 Bigger projects with greater impact Lowe’s wants to align with technical trade areas that their business supports 8

Three Focus Areas Classroom improvements Upgrading or providing tangible tools for learning technical skills Leadership development opportunities or providing for competition clothing that will give students the opportunity to compete at SkillsUSA events that would otherwise be unattainable.. 9

Pay IT – Play IT Forward Those applicants who can outline their plan to “pay it forward”, by planning and implementing a project or event that will allow them to use the tools or skills obtained due to receiving the grant dollars, will stand a greater chance of receiving grant funds. 10

Detail how the outcome will provide a life changing experience for the beneficiaries of the grant dollars! 11 Best Applications

Classroom Upgrade/Renovation Describe what you have now, how it will change, how many students and/or programs will benefit. What will be the impact on the students now as well as in the future. How might this upgrade or new classroom provide an opportunity for the students to share this experience or classroom with others? 12

Tools/Equipment/Materials Tell the age of the existing tools/equipment or why new tools/equipment/materials are needed. Describe how the upgrade/purchase would impact students or meet industry standards. How many students will benefit from the upgrade? How will students use the tools, equipment or materials to implement a service project for their school or community? 13

Leadership Development or Competition Clothing Who will benefit? What has been the past experience in these areas? How will participating in this event, training or contest impact the students? How will students use this experience to help other students or grow their local SkillsUSA chapter? 14

Grant Timeline September 1, 2012 Grant application posted to website November 1, 2012 Application deadline! January 10, 2013 Announce winning grant recipients 15

Selection Process Applications are reviewed and scored by SkillsUSA selection team Lowe’s chooses the final winners. Specific Rubric for scoring (Rubric posted on website!) 16

Selection Criteria 60%-70% on basic need and project impact 30%-40% on application clarity, budget detail, and project planning, development and implementation strategies 17

Basic Need for Greater Impact Tell your story from the heart! Support your story with the facts and details. How can you expand the use of your grant dollars beyond the initial investment? How can you create a unique learning experience for your students that will engage them in developing leadership or technical skills? “If we receive these grant dollars, this is what will happen.” Think Need! Think impact! Think BIG! 18

Write Award Winning Project Review application Complete in it’s entirety Be specific, meaningful and succinct Think about WHAT you’re going to do for your project and then HOW you’re going to tell your story and plan! 19

Grant Application Tell your story and how it will impact the recipients! Include a detailed project description Look for opportunities to involve local Lowe’s. Create achievable timelines Include detailed budget and media plan Have application reviewed by someone who is not involved in the project Have application reviewed for correctness and completeness 20

Kimberly Beal Lowe's Companies Community Relations 1000 Lowe's Blvd-NB5RP Mooresville, NC Send Thank-you’s

Thank you! 22

SkillsUSA Carol Lowery