EVERY GRANT APPLICANT MUST COMPLETE THIS FORM
2013-2014 MERA GRANT PARTICIPATION FORM
SCHOOL NAME: _____________________________________________________________
SCHOOL ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________
REGION: ________
TEACHER NAME: _________________________________________
PLEASE place an “X” next to the categories your class will be
participating in this school year.
____ CLASSROOM GRANTS (Must Complete Forms)
____ SCHOOL BASED ENTERPRISE (Indicate on Information Page)
____ OSHA CERTIFICATION (ARSC Card) (Must Complete Form)
____ CAREER DAY/CAREER FAIR (Must Complete Form, Packet will be Sent)
____ CUSTOMER SERVICE CERTIFICATION (Must Complete Form)
____ OTHER APPROVED IBC CERTIFICATIONS (Submit your requests and details)
____ WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT LEARNSOMETHING ON-LINE COURSES
(Must Complete Form)
____ COPING SKILLS (Indicate on Information Page)
All Teachers must complete the Student Participation Report
Louisiana Retailers Association through the Marketing Education Retail Alliance Corporation (MERA)
has created a Professional Certification Program for high school seniors participating in the MERA
Program. When any student passes the NRF Certification and then successfully completes the General
Retail Courses through Learn Something he/she will receive: a Louisiana Retail Pro Certificate. All
senior students who meet this criteria by the specified deadline will be eligible for a scholarship drawing.
These scholarships can be used for any pursuit of higher education including
Schools of Trade and Community Colleges.
1
EVERY GRANT APPLICANT MUST COMPLETE THIS FORM
2013-2014 MERA Grant
Information Page
All boxes/blanks must be filled in on this page
School District Name
State Planning Region #
Name of School
Class Name(s)—list those you teach
Total Number of Students to Be Served
(do not double count a student if you teach the
student more than once this school year)
Teacher’s Name
School’s Phone w/AC
School Street Address
School City, State, ZIP
School’s FAX w/AC
Teacher’s Email Address
Teacher’s Personal Email Address
Teacher’s Cell # w/AC
Teacher’s Cell Phone Provider (for text messages)
Principal’s Full Name
Principal’s Phone w/AC
Principal’s Email Address
School Bookkeeper’s Name
School Bookkeeper’s Email Address
School District’s Superintendent’s Name
Superintendent’s Email Address
Superintendent’s Street # and Street Name
Superintendent’s City, State & ZIP
Career/Tech. Supervisor’s Name
Career Tech Supervisor’s Email Address
CT Supervisor’s Phone w/AC
CT Supervisor’s Street Address
CT Supervisor’s City, State, ZIP
Date of Last Day of School for this School Year
Do You Operate a School-Based
Business/Enterprise?
Name of your School-Based Business? (SBE)
What do you sell in your School-Based Business?
How many students work in your SBE?
Are you planning to teach Coping Skills?
If so, do you need Coping Skills materials?
2
Classroom Grant Applicants Complete This Form
13-14 MERA GRANT AGREEMENT
1. The eligible recipient agrees to provide proper fiscal control and accounting procedures as required by MERA and the
school system for fiscal audit and program evaluation. MERA requires that purchases be made via purchase orders and
through the school district’s accounting system OR that a MERA account be set up at the individual school. All P.O.s
must be signed by a principal or school board official and then be used to order items. If a credit card is used, it must be
the school’s credit card. Actual itemized expenses must be reported (which includes equipment serial numbers). MERA
grant funds are not to be used to pay sales tax. Please provide original receipts or copies of receipts proving expenditures
as budgeted along with copies of purchase orders in addition to each receipt.
2. The eligible recipient agrees to inform MERA in writing if the program that made them eligible is discontinued from the
school or school system where it is currently operating or if there is any change in teaching or school assignment.
Equipment must be included in your school’s property accounting system and marked with “MERA Funds, 2013-14”.
Follow your school’s current operating procedures regarding any equipment purchased with MERA funds. In the event
that the program is discontinued, MERA would prefer that the equipment be used in a class that furthers the goal of
enhancing marketing, entrepreneurship or workforce development.
3. FINAL REPORT--The eligible recipient agrees to provide a final report by March 14, 2014 on the forms provided. This
report will become part of the evaluation and may be shared with other marketing programs and will be retained for
review by the State Auditor by May 30, 2014. This report will include: A) Each goal along with the activities conducted,
assessments, dates, locations, parish, region, number of student participants, names of student participants, number of
teacher participants, names of teacher participants, if applicable and known, they should also include the number of
employer participants and names of the companies. If any jobs were created, and if so, to provide the number of
employment opportunities created, the name of the student(s) who received employment through this program, the name
and address of the school they attend, the name of the employer, the student’s job title, the function of their new position,
and a description of MERA’s involvement in connecting the student with the employer or job opportunity and results of
the learning opportunity including what works/what did not. If a goal was not completed, a statement as to what
percentage of completion should be made. B) Evaluation form completed by each student and each teacher for each goal.
For employer events, employers should complete an evaluation form provided by MERA with the required questions, as
appropriate. C) For OCLOs, an invoice, receipt, and a list of all students and teachers who attended must be submitted.
D) Provide the name, version/type, quantity, and cost of any technology or equipment purchased, as well as, the serial
number and/or key code of any software purchased through this agreement and any subsequent grants.
4. Final Reports not received will result in a letter being sent to the school’s principal and superintendent requesting a grant
refund or partial refund for those expenses not proven. The school will not be eligible for any further grants. If your final
report is not complete MERA may require an in person audit and/or future grants may be reduced or not offered.
5. The eligible recipient agrees to share or present grant ideas to other programs and interested parties and abide by the
guidelines as outlined in the Grant Application.
6. The eligible recipient agrees to submit in writing on the form provided, any MINOR revisions to the goal or budget for
approval by MERA using the “Goal, Implementation, & Cost Explanation Form” Major revisions will not be accepted.
7. March 3, 2014, is the deadline for expenditure of the total classroom grant award. If all grant funds are not spent by
March 3, 2014, contact the MERA office for further instructions.
We, the undersigned, understand that grant recipients failing to comply with the above provisions may be liable for return of the
grant award and ineligible to reapply for future grant money. We certify that the teacher applying for this grant is teaching one
of the approved courses. We understand that a site visitation by Paul Grethel, MERA Educational Consultant, will occur at any
time during the implementation of this grant or within 1 year of the final reporting time.
Print Teacher
Teacher’s
Date
Name
Signature
School Name
Principal’s
Date
Signature
Classroom $
CTE Supervisor’s
Date
Grant
Signature
Amount
Superintendent’s
Date
Signature
3
Refer to this map to determine your Louisiana State Planning Region.
4
2013-2014 MERA Grant Opportunities
The mission of the Marketing Education Retail Alliance (MERA) is to foster entrepreneurship, innovative learning strategies and
workforce development in Louisiana high schools by awarding classroom grants and providing training and certification opportunities
for students and teachers. Contact Paul Grethel at pjgrethel@hotmail.com for additional information.
To be eligible for any MERA grant opportunity the teacher must be teaching one or more of the following classes/programs.
If you teach a class which you think might qualify for a grant opportunity, contact Paul Grethel (pjgrethel@hotmail.com or
504-301-7194) for a determination.
Accounting I & II
Advanced Finance
Advertising & Sales Promotion
Career & Technical Education Internship I & II**
Clothing & Textile Occupation I & II
Cooperative Marketing Education I & II
Customer Service
Entrepreneurship (Marketing) (General Career & Technical Education)
Financial Planning
Financial Services
General Cooperative Education (GCE) I & II
Horticulture I & II
Hospitality Marketing
Lodging Management I & II
Managerial Accounting
Marketing Education Elective I & II
Marketing Management
Marketing Research
Meat Processing
Principles of Accounting
Principles of Finance
Principles of Hospitality & Tourism
Principles of Marketing I & II
Retail Marketing
Sports Entertainment & Event Management
Sustainable Tourism
Tourism Marketing
Web Design I & II
**Internship programs are allowed to participate in OSHA, Coping Skills, and Workforce Development Training.

Classroom Grants (Materials, Supplies & Books/Technology & Equipment/Substitute
Pay/OCLO/Other)
MERA and the Louisiana Retailers Association offer an opportunity for programs to request financial assistance through a grant to
improve and enhance training and development opportunities. Goals must be specific, measurable, and seek to expand, improve,
and/or enhance the current course objectives. The total awards available:
 $1,500 for any roster totaling up to 15 students
 $100 per student for any roster totaling 16 or more students.
Example: You have 20 students. 20 x $100 = $2,000 grant.
*September 17th: first round of grant applications are due.
*October 1st: second round of grant applications are due.
5
EVALUATION OF APPLICATION:
 A Grant Review Committee composed of retail and education volunteers will evaluate grant
applications. Grants applications MUST contain goals that enhance and expand the classroom
experience as it related to Marketing Education, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development.
 A grant may be approved in full or only portions may be approved depending on validity, quality of
application, and availability of funds.
 Grants are awarded based upon the education and training merit of the learning opportunity relative to
the cost of the items requested to accomplish the goal.
ALLOWABLE EXPENDITURES:
Expenditures must relate to the goals of the proposal. Multiple goals, focusing on different learning
opportunities are encouraged. Expenditures may relate to any or all of the following:
 Classroom supplies, materials, current technology, and/or equipment to accomplish
a goal of the proposal. Magazine subscriptions and gift cards are not allowed. For
technology and equipment priced at over $200, you must submit 3 price quotes.
(examples: computers, laptops, scanners, projectors, software packages, simulations,
smartboards, etc.). If you do not choose the lowest quote, please provide documentation
as to why you must choose the higher priced item. If three (3) quotes are unavailable,
grant applicant must provide a reasonable explanation regarding unavailability.
MERA reserves the right to require a school to purchase a less expensive item if
available.
 OCLO from the approved list. Any Off-Campus Learning Opportunity (OCLO) not
on the approved list MUST be submitted on the appropriate form (attached) and
approved by the MERA office by the deadline provided. An amount for substitute
pay can be included in your OCLO.
 Competitions, meetings, and conferences, including travel expenses from approved
list
 Ipads or tablets are not allowed to be purchased with grant funds.
 School-Based Enterprises (businesses) are encouraged. Use MERA funds to
purchase start-up equipment, fixtures, and inventory.
 MERA will need the following information submitted: receipts, serial number
and/or key codes for any software purchased. *** Please contact Paul Grethel for
software recommendations.
OCLO TRAVEL GUIDELINES:
The budget for travel will be no more than $300.00 per student and $400.00 per teacher for in-state travel
AND only for pre-approved trips/OCLOs. This amount is to supplement (not pay in full) registration, lodging,
transportation, food, tours, and other travel expenses. MERA expects students to participate in the school
business (if one exists) or other fundraising activities in order to pay the entire cost of an OCLO.
Example: 20 students at $300.00 each, you can request $6,000.00, but all 20 students must attend the trip or conference. A
roster (or rooming list) for each OCLO listing each student and teacher who attended must be submitted in final report.
6
 Please note trips must be open to all students participating in the approved class(es). Any trips other than





those listed below MUST be approved by the MERA office using the form provided and sent in by the
posted due dates prior to submission of the grant application.
Trips for students to tour colleges are not eligible.
The MERA Grant exists to afford ALL students an opportunity to train in areas of Marketing Education,
Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development and not for only a selected few students to have the
privilege.
At least 2 students must be involved in Off-Campus Learning Opportunities (OCLOs).
Teacher travel reimbursement is allowed based on state travel guidelines.
Travel expenses listed MUST include the approximate number of students, teachers, chaperones, the
vendor, the proposed location, the proposed date and time, and the purpose of the event. The final report
will require you to submit the actual number and names of students attending, the number and names of
teachers, chaperones attending, the event that was attended, the vendor, the amount, the OCLO date and
location, and the specific benefit of this OCLO.
Preapproved trips/OCLO’s are:
 Louisiana DECA Fall Leadership Conference (Vendor: La. DECA)
 La. DECA Sports Marketing Conference (with N.O. Hornets) (Vendor: La. DECA)—your class is
required to complete one of the lessons supplied by La. DECA and have a team participate in the
marketing competition in order to utilize MERA Grant funds. These lessons and guidelines will be sent
to you in October. You will be required to submit one student’s lesson for documentation purposes. La.
DECA will submit a list to MERA of schools that participated in the marketing competition.
 Louisiana DECA State Conference (Vendor: La. DECA)
Any OCLOs not listed must be pre-approved by MERA before you can put them in your grant. To
obtain pre-approval, submit the form OCLO Approval by the deadline.
 Suggested locations for other marketing-related OCLOs to consider: McIlhenny Company (Tabasco)
plant on Avery Island, Mardi Gras World in New Orleans, & Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning Factory
in Opelousas.
 An Employer Appreciation Banquet must be treated as an OCLO if the function is away from school and
is limited to $500 in MERA grant funds. The final report will require you to submit the actual number
and names of students attending, the number and names of teachers, chaperones attending, the number
and names of business guests and company name, and names of other school guests, the event name, the
names of vendor(s), the amount spent, the OCLO date and location, and the specific benefit of this
OCLO.
 ITEMIZED receipts are required for OCLO’s.
 If you submit an OCLO in your application that was not preapproved, the OCLO will be denied and your
grant will be lowered by that amount.
7

OSHA Training
MERA offers a course in which the purpose is to reduce injuries by educating workers so that they will have a better understanding
and knowledge of safety. The following topics meet generic level training. This means that the content covered is common to all
employers; Personal Protective Equipment, Hearing Conservation, Electrical Safety for Unqualified Workers, Hazard Communication,
Elevated Work, Scaffold Safety, Ladder Safety, Process Safety Management (PSM), Job Hazard Analysis, and Occupational Heat
Stress. If you live within 35 miles of Baton Rouge, Gonzales or Addis, you will be required to go to the OSHA location. For those
not in those areas, if your school or school system can get a minimum of 20 students to be trained and has a location to do this, we can
set up a training for you. Contact the MERA office at 225-344-9481 if interested. Please fill out the appropriate form to request the
OSHA Certification Class.

Career Day/Career Fair (assistance & development)
Career Day often refers to a day in school where students learn about different careers and vocations. A well planned and facilitated
Career Day provides students with career opportunities whether they plan to enroll in college or enter the workforce before or after
graduation. An effective high school “Career Day” gives students exposure to possible careers they may have considered as well as
offering new career choices. You can plan a career day and use up to $500 in MERA funds for your event by completing a one-page
application prior to the event and then completing a short report after the event. The career day event must be held on 1 day. It must
involve a minimum of 10 or more business people. Funds can be used for planning purposes (mailings, supplies, duplicating,
refreshments/ hospitality for guests, etc.). Funds cannot be used to buy gifts for speakers. MERA will allow one Career Day
Application per school, and the event must be held prior to March 30, 2014. If there are multiple MERA teachers at the same school,
we ask that you collaborate on the event.

Customer Service Certification
MERA offers teacher and student training materials for preparation of the National Retail Federations Foundation’s National
Professional Certifications standards in Customer Service. Teachers train their students using the NRF’s Customer Service curriculum
and give the certification exam. The industry-endorsed credentials that document students’ skills allow them to build an employment
resume while in school and position them for success in the workforce. MERA will pay for the first test voucher ($55) for each
student. Teachers who want to give their students a head start for career success should contact Paul Grethel via email.
Benefits for Teachers:




Incorporate national industry skill standards—what employers want and need
Formally document students’ learning and achievement
Supplement existing programs and can often provide verified credit for graduation
Your high school can get 10 additional points on the school report card for students who pass the IBC.
Benefits for Students:




Demonstrate commitment to professional growth
Apply for a high school diploma endorsement
Build resume now—and for the future—with workplace value
Enter workforce with increased knowledge, skills, and productivity
Steps to Certification:



School is set-up as an assessment site and proctors receive training
Students complete the online assessment for certification in Customer Service, Sales, and/or Retail Management
Once certified, students receive a certificate and letter of recognition
8

Other Approved IBC Certifications
The following certifications are allowed:
 Adobe Certified Associate
 American Culinary Federation Certified Junior Culinarian (ACF/ACFEF)
 American Culinary Federation Secondary Certification/ACFF
 Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) Foundations National exam/ ProSoft Learning Corp.
 Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional (CNLP)/ Louisiana Nursery & Landscape Assoc (LNLA)
 Cisco Certified Network Associate
 CompTIA/ Network + Certification National exam/ Computing Technology Industry Association
 Fashion Design for Costume in Film / American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
 Horticulture License/ Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF)
 IC International exam/Certiport
 Intuit QuickBooks Certified User/ Real World Training
 Landscape Contractor/ Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF)
 Meat Processing/ Louisiana Meat Processors Association
 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Versions 2003, 2007, or 2010 International Exam/ Microsoft and Certifport
 National Academy of Finance (NAF) National Exam by NAF
 Oracle Internet Academy National exam/ Oracle USA
 Pharmacy Technician/ Louisiana Pharmacy Board (LPB)
 ProStart I & II/ National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF)
 Alcohol and Tobacco - Responsible Vendor Training
 ServSafe/ National Restaurant Association Solutions
*** If you would like to utilize these additional certifications, it is the responsibility of the teacher to submit the details and
cost of the IBC certification for approval. MERA reserves the right to decline funding approval or to only partially fund the
training depending on available funding. The teacher MUST turn in a certificate of completion for any student that completes
one of the above IBC certifications. Your high school can get 10 additional points on the school report card for students who
pass the IBC.

Workforce Development Online Courses
MERA offers a set of online courses called “Workforce Development” to enhance your students’ classroom experience and to prepare
them for a job. Each of the online courses through LearnSomething.com (see list below) are independent of the other courses. Once a
student completes a course, they can print out a certificate of completion. MERA requires that once a teacher allows a student to start
any course that he/she follow-through to make sure the student finishes all sections. Online courses can be completed in the classroom
or at home and take about 25 hours to complete. Each course costs about $200-$250/student and is funded by MERA.
LearnSomething is the leading provider of custom eLearning solutions and consumer education for the food, drug and healthcare
industries. They provide companies with flexible, Web-based information programs to meet the regulatory, operational, continuing
education and internal systems training needs of their diverse, distributed workforces. Their content-rich category education developed
for employees and consumers helps retailers increase basket size and enhance the overall customer experience. LearnSomething
courses deliver content identified and vetted by industry experts. A student who completes these courses certainly has an advantage
over others and has additional knowledge for his/her resume.
Each student may select either the General Workforce Prep Course or the Pharmacy Technical Prep Course shown on the next page:
General Workforce Preparation
1. Excel for Beginners (optional) or Excel Intermediate
2. Word for Beginners
3. Presentation (PowerPoint)
9
4. Outlook Tools
5. Prepare to Serve
6. The Power of Suggestive Selling
7. Introduction to Category Management Basics
8. Quick Reference to Retail Best Practices in Food Safety and Sanitation
9. OSHA-Practicing Basic Store Safety
10. OSHA-Bloodborne Pathogens
11. OSHA-First Aid
12. OSHA-Fire Safety
13. Customer Service and Consulting
14. Negotiation
15. Code of Conduct and Ethics
16. Handling Fraudulent Checks
17. Detecting Counterfeit Currency
18. Detecting Charge Card Fraud
19. Preventing Shoplifting
20. Preventing Employee Theft
21. Business Communication: Verbal, Non-verbal, Written, Target Communication
22. Time and Stress Management
23. Entrepreneurship
Total Course Time: 24.8 hours
Pharmacy Technical Preparation
1. Pharmacy Technicians in the Workplace
2. National Pharmacy Technician Basic Training
3. Medicare Part B: What You Need to Know About DMEPOS Accreditation
4. Bloodborne Pathogens in the Pharmacy
5. Quality and Patient Safety
6. Preventing Fraud, Waste & Abuse in Pharmacy Practice
7. DEA Audit-What a Pharmacist Needs to Know
8. MethGuard: Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005
9. HIPAA Security Basics Training Program for the Pharmacy Workforce
10. HIPAA Privacy Training for the Pharmacy Workplace
11. Family & Medical Leave Act Training
12. Code of Conduct & Ethics
13. Fair Labor Standards Act Training
14. Preventing Workplace Harassment
15. Leadership for Managers-Building a Foundation for Leadership
16. Leadership for Managers-Communication Effectively as a Leader
17. Product Solutions for Customers
18. Product Category Training: Store Brands-Enhancing Profitability
19. Responsible Vendor
20. Safety Basics Total Course Time: 24.6 hours
OSHA
A general online course is available. Total Course Time: 82 Minutes
A teacher writing a classroom grant may use their own grant funds to purchase additional
LearnSomething.com online courses.

Coping Skills
Coping Skills is a self-contained unit of instruction that you could use throughout the year, perhaps as bell-ringers. These will help
students with “stinky-thinking.” It’s great for conflict resolution and in learning how to deal with complications which arise in a day to
day workplace. It should also help with customer service skills and workplace behavior. MERA offers the Coping Skills binder of
classroom materials and lessons.
10
EVERY GRANT APPLICANT MUST COMPLETE THIS FORM
_____ 1st Semester Report
_____ 2nd Semester Report
STUDENT PARTICIPATION REPORT
Business Operations and Training / Employment Information
Teacher Name: ___________________
School Name: _____________________
Region #: __________
Poll all students to find out where they work. We know that co-op students have to work; however, other students work after school and on
weekends or have their own business. Some work through Internships (paid and unpaid).
List all students (no duplicates) who are involved in any MERA program. Next to each student's name, list their place of employment, and place an
"X" by each program(s) the student is participating in. If a student does not work, leave the second and third columns blank. For students you teach
in the 2nd semester, you MUST submit a new list with only new names (do not submit duplicate names from 1st Semester.
This form is required. It is not optional. Mark an “X” on the programs the student is participating in.
Student’s Name
Total # Students:
Student’s Place of
Employment
Total # Employed:
Student’s Job
Title
Classroom
Grant
Total #:
Customer
Service
Total #:
Online
Courses
Total #:
Coping
Skills
Total #:
OSHA
Total #:
Other IBC
Total #:
SBE
Total #
Job Fair
Total #
11
Classroom Grant Applicants Complete This Form
2013-14 GOAL, IMPLEMENTATION &
COST EXPLANATION FORM
(Copy this entire form for each goal)
Instructions:
Each goal should begin on a separate sheet and is single-spaced. Each goal should focus on a different learning opportunity and
MUST be specific and measurable and expand, enhance, or improve your current objectives. The implementation plan is a
description of activities that lead to the achievement of the listed goal. Describe what will be done, what activities will be used,
how the goal will be evaluated and all other related information. The evaluation process must be clear and should describe how you
will determine whether learning has occurred or a competency has been achieved. In a separate section below each goal and
implementation, you must itemize all items that you need to purchase in order to accomplish this goal along with a quantity & current
price including any shipping/handling charges. Include an itemized list for the supplies, materials, textbook title and quantity,
equipment needed, and approximate cost. A goal may also be for travel (a field trip, conference, etc.) which is either on the list of preapproved OCLO destinations or which must be typed on the OCLO Approval form detailing the agenda and description of activities.
Once you receive an approval, you can then add it to your grant application (include a copy of your approval from MERA to your
grant application). In addition to this written portion, you must state how many students and how many teachers/chaperones will
attend, the name of the event, the vendor (for state DECA events, the vendor is La. DECA.) and the amount. A total cost to
accomplish each goal should be printed at the end of each “Goal, Implementation & Cost” page and then transferred to the “Goal &
Implementation Budget Summary.” (NOTE: If items purchased for one goal are to be used in another goal as well, list them only
once in your goals costs section and simply refer to them in the other goal(s).) YOU CAN ERASE THIS TEXT IF YOU NEED
MORE SPACE ON YOUR PAGE.
School’s Name
Teacher’s Name
Goal (# and goal statement)-to
Class(es) to be Covered by this Goal (type name(s) of classes)REVISION: Insert “X” here ____ if this is a MINOR revision of this goal which was originally
submitted. Type your revision below your original goal. Fax to 225-383-4145 for approval.
DO NOT SPEND MONEY UNTIL YOU RECEIVE AN APPROVAL ON A REVISION.
Implementation-(see instructions above)
Description of ActivitiesHow Will Goal Be Evaluated(box will expand down as you hit enter key)
GOAL ITEMIZED EXPENSES
Description
(include ISBN # if book, describe type of technology, supplies,
equipment, OCLO-list cost per person & total # to attend, etc.)
TOTAL FOR THIS GOAL (transfer amount to Summary)
To Be Purchased from
(name of store/
vendor/publisher)
Amount
(according to your
current research-3 quotes
needed on any item over
$200)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
12
Classroom Grant Applicants Complete This Form
2013-14 MERA GOAL & IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET SUMMARY
School’s Name
Teacher’s Name
Grant Amount
$
Type the goal statement in column #1 below and then the total amount to accomplish each goal in column #2 below. This should be
the same amount as on the bottom of each Goal, Implementation and Cost Explanation page.
(Office Use
Only)
GOALS
PROJECTED COST
Approved
Goal #1-(type goal statement here)
$ (type total cost of goal
#1)
Goal #2-(type goal statement here)
$
Goal #3-(type goal statement here)
$
Goal #4-(type goal statement here)
$
Goal #5-(type goal statement here)
$
Goal #6-(type goal statement here)
$
Goal #7-(type goal statement here)
$
Goal #8-(type goal statement here)
$
TOTAL BUDGET REQUEST $
If this amount is less than the grant limit, this is what you will receive...
2013-2014 Total Budget Breakdowns
Grant Amount $
Grant
Materials,
Breakdown
Supplies &
(total of each)
Books
$
Breakdown this amount into categories below
Technology Substitute
OCLOs
& Equipment
Pay
$
$
$
Other
$
13
Classroom Grant / OCLO Applicants Complete This Form
OCLO Approval Form
due to MERA by
September 9 (1st grant round) or
September 13 (2nd grant round)
INCOMPLETE FORMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Submit this form to Brandi Armand at the MERA office on or before September 9 (if applying for the
first grant round) or by September 13 (if applying for the second grant round).
Email brandi@laretail.org or fax (225-383-4145)
DECA Conferences listed as approved in the grant do not require an OCLO Approval Form. MERA will notify
you if your OCLO is approved or denied via email. If approved, you may add the OCLO to your grant
application. Include the approval email with your grant.
School’s Name
School District Name
Louisiana State Planning Region #
Teacher’s Name
Goal(s) and Objective(s)
to be Covered
Class(es) Involved in this OCLO
Contact Person’s Name for each
site visited
Contact Person’s Phone # with
area code
Address of Location Being Visited
Parish of Site Location
Proposed Date of OCLO
Number of Teachers Attending
Number of Students
What Amount of Money Do You
Wish to Allocate for this OCLO?
(Employer Appreciation Banquets are
allowed up to $500.)
Was this OCLO Offered to All
Students in the Class?
If it was Not Offered to All
Students, Why Not?
AGENDA: Type your OCLO agenda below (give dates, times, places, speakers, and what activities will be
conducted). Be VERY specific and thorough with the agenda.
14
OSHA LA Training Applicants Compete This Form
Louisiana Required OSHA Training
OSHA CERTIFICATION CLASS
Sponsored by MERA
Teacher Name: ___________________
School Name: _____________________
Region # ________
School Address: _______________________________
_______________________________
The OSHA certification one-day class is available at the Alliance Safety Council’s 3 locations:
Baton Rouge (begins at 7:30 a.m.)-10099 N. Reiger Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Gonzales (begins at 7:45 a.m.)-2612 South Ruby St., Gonzales, LA 70737
Addis (begins 8:00 a.m.)-7640 La. Highway 1 S., Addis, LA 70710
*Classes are taught Monday – Friday. Additional classes are held the 2nd Saturday of every month at the Baton Rouge location. The 4th
Saturday of every month there is a class at the Addis location.
*MERA will pay for the registration fee for the student to take the class; however, a student must be a senior.
*When your students pass the test, they will get an ARSC card, which is a pocket size hard card with their picture on it and on the back it
shows the classes they have taken. This card is required by the plants to enter their gates. The students are tested immediately following
the class and cards are given the same day.
When students check in on the day of class, they will need to bring in a state or federal picture ID such as a drivers’ license, a state picture ID, or a student ID and a social
security card. (Note: On the form below, if a student does not have a driver’s license, they can submit their student ID but it must have 9 digits. If it does not, add zeros to it to make it 9
digits long.)
Add rows as needed
First Name
Last Name
Driver’s License
# or Student ID #
(must be 9 digits)
Training Location
Training
Date
15
Career Day Applicants Complete This Form
MERA Career Day Application
(event must be held prior to March 30, 2014)
Teacher in Charge
School Name
Louisiana State Planning Region #
Planned Date of Career Day
Approximate # of Students Involved
Approximate # of Teachers Involved
Where will the event be held (address if whole
school is being used or room # is part of school)
How many periods/time slots will students be
given to visit with a speaker?
Approximate time of each period/time slot
Approximate # of Business People Involved
Approximate # of Colleges Involved
Give a brief description of your event. Will
it be just speakers/presenters or will there be
tables for businesses to set up and talk
individually with students?
Proposed Budget for Event (MERA grant limited to $500)
Description of Expense
Amount Budgeted
$
$
$
$
$
$
TOTAL BUDGET $
Return this form at least 2 months prior to your event by email to brandi@laretail.org or fax to 225-383-4145 or mail to
MERA, P.O. Box 44034, Baton Rouge, LA 70804. If not sent in 2 months prior to the event, you may not get your funding in
time but will be reimbursed for your expenses.
After your event, you must complete the packet of information(sent to you after we receive this application)and submit
receipts for your expenses, a list of business participants (sign-in sheet), a list of any part-time employment opportunities
which were created, and any forms you developed for your Career Day.
Teacher’s Signature
Date
Principal’s Signature
Date
16
Customer Service Training Applicants Complete This Form
Customer Service Voucher Order Form
Return this Form Via Email to pjgrethel@hotmail.com
After students earn 80% or better, you must supply
the names and screening test scores from the 100question test supplied in order to receive your
vouchers. If you use another method to screen
students, let us know when you order. DO NOT
HOLD VOUCHERS! You must send in your test
results within 30 days of testing. If vouchers expire
while you are holding them, we may deduct the
expense from your future grant money.
Teacher
School
Testing Date
Louisiana
Region #
#
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Student’s
First & Last Name
Screening
Test Score
#
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
Student’s
First & Last Name
Screening
Test Score
17
Workforce Development Online Training Applicants Complete This Form
LearnSomething Registration Form
Workforce Development Online Courses
Teacher Name: ___________________
School Name: ____________________ School Address: ___________________
Region # ________
Location: Online
________________________________
Date: N/A
Each student can choose Option 1 or Option 2. Please indicate whether the student wants Excel Beginner or Intermediate. You
can also select a letter of one of the electives (optional). Option 3 can accompany Option 1 or Option 2.
Information for Total Training Hours Colomn: Option 1 = 22.67 Hours – Option 2 = 24.6 Hours – Option 3 = 82 Minutes
Option for Electives: A – Intermediate Excel * B – Word for Beginners * C – Presentation (Powerpoint) * D – Outlook (Tools)
Student Name
Total
Training
Hours
Option 1
Beginner
Option 1
Intermediate
Option 1
Elective
(Optional)
Option 2
Pharmacy
Tech Prep
Option 3 Workforce
General OSHA
Training
18
LearnSomething.com
Workforce Development Online Courses
Excel for Beginners
Excel for Beginners presents instruction for these commonly used tasks: Creating Charts, Creating Workbooks,
Formatting Charts, Formulas and Functions, Introducing Excel, Lookup Functions, Move and Copy Data,
Navigating Workbooks, Open and Save Workbooks, Page Breaks and Previewing, Page Setup Options,
Printing, Proofing Tools, Relative and Absolute References, Screen Components, Using Functions and Working
with Ranges.
420 minutes (7 hours)
Excel-Intermediate
Excel Intermediate presents instruction for these commonly used tasks: 3D Workbooks, Additional Formatting
Features, Creating a Web Page, Custom and Conditional Formats, Customizing Toolbars, Formatting Data,
Formatting Menu Options, Goal Seeker and Solver, Outlining, Pivot Tables, Pivot Tables on the Web, Sorting
and Subtotals, Splitting, Freezing and Hiding, Working with Macros and Worksheets and E-mail.
390 minutes (6½ hours)
Can be substituted for “Excel Beginner” or taken as an elective.
Word for Beginners
Word for Beginners presents instruction for these commonly used tasks: Autocorrect, Basic Text Formatting,
Correction Signs, Creating Documents, Envelopes and Labels, Find and Replace, Introducing Word, Moving and
Copying Text, Navigation Tools, Opening, Saving and Closing, Printing Documents, Proofing Tools, Screen
Components, Smart Tags and Task Panes.
150 minute (2.5 hours)
“Elective” (voluntary)
Each student can choose only one (1) elective.
Presentation (PowerPoint)
Learn the basics of creating, opening, saving and closing presentations using Microsoft’s PowerPoint. Create
information presentations and provide support materials such as transparencies, printed handouts and speaker
notes.
390 minutes (6.5 hours)
“Elective” (voluntary)
Each student can choose only one (1) elective.
Outlook—Tools
This course introduces the learner to the range of tools offered in Outlook including: the navigation pane;
signatures and delivery confirmations; using the calendar; creating, assigning and viewing tasks; and journal
tracking. Customization using Outlook’s features and options, and stationery, template and theme tools are
offered.
240 minutes) (4 hours)
“Elective” (voluntary)
Each student can choose only one (1) elective.
Prepare to Serve
This course recognizes that the customer service your employees provide may be the single most underused
resource for increasing sales. This course is based on a simple but powerful equation: Greater customer
satisfaction means increased customer loyalty and larger basket size. Using a format that maintains employees’
19
interest through dramatic vignettes and skill-building lessons rendered in multimedia, will motivate your
employees to exercise these new-found skills on your sales floor and to stay current on product knowledge and
solution selling.
120 minutes (2 hours)
Required
The Power of Suggestive Selling
Providing exceptional customer service builds brand loyalty and increases store revenue. These benefits are
largely dependent on techniques used by store associates in aisles, behind counters, and at the register.
Associates are “marketing directors” for the company every time they interact with customers. This course
guides associates through the step-by-step techniques that will provide customers with a satisfying in-store
experience and increase their basket size.
60 minutes
Required
Introduction to Category Management Basics
Increasing your store’s “shopability” is a sure way to increase sales, and with this introduction to category
management, your employees will become familiar with the purpose and methods of effectively planning a
category layout. They will learn how to interpret a planogram and the basic concepts used to manage “the last
two feet,” including product flow, blocking schemes and spacing.
40 minutes
Required
Quick Reference to Retail Best Practices in Food Safety and Sanitation
This course was developed, based on the 2009 Food Code, to provide food service employees with the
essentials of food safety and sanitation. Learners will acquire knowledge of the basics of food safety in food
service establishments and will learn how to handle food safely to protect both themselves and customers.
60 minutes
Required
OSHA-Practicing Basic Store Safety
Accidents and injuries in the workplace cost businesses more than $125 billion a year! Besides medical
expenses, stores can incur human costs, legal expenses, and lasting damage to the company’s reputation.
Eachand every employee who completes this course will be able to identify targets of proper safety practices
and recall basic safety practices.
11 minutes
Required
OSHA-Blookborne Pathogens: Protecting Employees
Workplace accidents can unknowingly expose your employees to HIV, hepatitis and other dangerous
bloodborne pathogens. Studies suggest that more than half of those infected with these deadly diseases aren’t
even aware of the danger their fluids present to others! Managers have a duty to ensure their workforce is aware
of the risk of bloodborne pathogen exposure and knowledgeable about protecting themselves and others from
transmission.
10 minutes
Required
20
OSHA: First Aide: First Response to Workplace Injuries
Give your employees a basic introduction to emergency first-aid procedures, personal protective equipment
(PPE), and precautions to use when responding to accidents. This course prepares employees to take appropriate
measures to assist accident victims, while protecting themselves from potential harm.
11 minutes Required
OSHA: Fire Safety: Quick Response and Disaster Prevention
This course is designed to teach your employees how to protect themselves, and your business, by reacting
quickly and appropriately to any class of fire. Learners will be able to recognize the 4 fire classes and which fire
extinguisher is appropriate for each class, as well as when to flee rather than fight a fire.
18 minutes Required
Customer Service and Consulting
This course builds the learner’s customer service skills and provides in depth explanations on precisely how
Effective Communication can enrich a Customer’s experience. Some topics covered include: the Customer
Complaint Process, Knowing Your Enemy, Determining a Need, and Improving Listening Skills.
120 minutes (2 hours) Required
Workplace Communication
This course teaches the learner how to efficiently conduct various forms of Workplace Communications. It
consists of four Modules: Module 1: Non-Verbal Communication, Module 2: Written Communications, Module
3: Oral Communication and Module 4: Communication Targets. The course includes important topics such as
using body language, describing the writing process, effective listening, and communicating with customers.
180 minutes (3 hours) Required
Negotiation
This course explains how, why, and when it is appropriate to negotiate in a particular business situation. It
addresses Negotiating Yourself, Influence and Persuasion. A few topics covered include the concept of Self
Talk, How to Research and Gather Information, and Building Rapport.
90 minutes Required
Time and Stress Management
This course teaches learners how to minimize stress and efficiently manage their time. It offers topics such as:
balancing work and home demands, developing and abiding by your own Vision and Mission Statement, and
the Characteristics of Success.
60 minutes Required
Code of Conduct and Ethics
Your employees can guarantee that your organization complies with all city, state, and federal laws and
regulations by conducting company business with complete honesty and integrity. This course presents real-life
scenarios that illustrate the possible consequences of decisions involving questionable ethics. Through these
vignettes, your employees will learn how to respond in these types of situations and avoid making unethical
decisions.
60 minutes Required
Detecting Charge Card Fraud
As the use of charge cards increases, so does the crime rate involving their fraudulent use. This course
introduces methods of deterring charge card fraud. Employees learn to describe methods of charge card fraud,
identify suspicious cards and transactions, and handle suspicious fraudulent activity appropriately.
20 minutes Required
21
Detecting Counterfeit Currency
Loss prevention tactics go hand-in-hand with counterfeiting deterrents. With the clever misdeeds of scam artists
it is necessary to be diligent, aware and extra thorough when receiving currency. In this course, earners review
fundamental information on how to spot fake currency, and how to act when these instances occur. Learning
objectives include: identifying the new security features found on U.S. currency, identifying the design features
found on recently redesigned currency, describing the penalties for counterfeiting, describing methods used in
detecting counterfeit bills; and handling suspicious bills appropriately.
20 minutes
Required
Handling Fraudulent Checks
Fraudulent checks have a negative effect on your company, and your employees can help reduce those instances
of fraud at the point of sale. In this course, learners are introduced to Check 21 and the ways that it impacts
customers. Upon completion, your employees will be able to identify the comparison points used to verify
identification cards, the codes used to indicate the proper financial institutions responsible for check processing,
and the features useful in identifying fraudulent checks.
20 minutes
Required
Preventing Employee Theft
One of the major causes of shrink in the retail industry is employee theft. This course introduces learners to the
reasons for employee theft and what can be done to identify and prevent it. Employees will learn to explain the
effects of shrinkage on the company bottom line, identify the reasons motivating theft of company goods,
describe the methods used to steal, and describe what measures can be taken to reduce theft.
20 minutes
Required
Preventing Shoplifting
Shoplifting is one of the main causes of lost profits in the retail industry, and your employees can help to
prevent this crime. This course provides an overview of the effects of shoplifting on the company bottom line,
the national statistics on shoplifting, and the types of items that are frequently stolen. Your employees will
shoplifters and the methods they use to steal. l learn shoplifting prevention tips as they discover how to identify
20 minutes
Required
Total Hours 22.67 hours
22
Pharmacy Technician Preparation
Operations Training for Technicians in the Community
Pharmacy
The Pharmacy Technician Preparation curriculum prepares individuals for entry level positions within a retail
pharmacy. The program presents an overview of retail pharmacy operations and can be used as a launch point
from which to pursue management roles.
Credit
Seat Time
Hours COURSE LIST
Hours: Minutes
1.50
Introduction
Pharmacy Technicians in the Workplace Pharmacy.................... 01:30
9.00
echnician Basic Training
National Pharmacy Technician Training Program
(7th edition) ..................................................................................09:00
National Pharmacy Technician Practice Exam (optional)
7.00
Pharmacy Regulatory Compliance Medicare Part B: What You
Need to Know About DMEPOS Accreditation .......................... 00:30
Bloodborne Pathogens in the Pharmacy 2011 .....,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.... 01:00
Quality and Patient Safety: A Training Program for
Community Pharmacy ................................................................ 01:00
Preventing Fraud, Waste & Abuse in Pharmacy
Practice – General ...................................................................... 00:30
DEA Audit - What a Pharmacist Needs to Know........................ 01:00
MethGuard™: Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act
of 2005 ....................................................................................... 00:30
HIPAA Security Basics Training Program for the
Pharmacy Workforce ................................................................. 01:00
HIPAA Privacy Training for the Pharmacy Workforce………. 01:30
1.90
Corporate Ethics
Family & Medical Leave Act Training...................................... 00:10
Code of Conduct & Ethics.......................................................... 00:40
Fair Labor Standards Act Training............................................. 00:30
Preventing Workplace Harassment............................................. 00:30
2.20
Leadership & Communications
Leadership for Managers - Building a Foundation
for Leadership ............................................................................ 01:10
Leadership for Managers - Communicating Effectively
as a Leader ................................................................................. 01:00
3.00
Product Knowledge & Customer Service
Product Solutions for Customers.................................................02:00
Product Category Training: Store Brands - Enhancing
Profitability..................................................................................00:30
Responsible Vendor....................................................................00:15
Safety Basics...............................................................................00:15
24.60 Total Course Seat Time
23
Course Descriptions:
Leadership for Managers - Communicating Effectively as a Leader
(LD-1007) ......................................................................................................................... 01:00
As you take on leadership roles, your influences may be greater than you realize. In this course learners will
become familiar with the importance of establishing and protecting your personal brand; the five
communication techniques that power efficiency and effectiveness; ways to identify and avoid four common
communication pitfalls. Learners will also
review how to frame a message to create consensus; and the power of knowing the goals and rewards you share
with your audience.
Medicare Part B: What You Need to Know About DMEPOS Accreditation (PH1011).................................................................................................................................. 00:30
This course will enhance the learner’s understanding of Medicare Part B and how the coverage functions for
both beneficiary and provider. This course may also satisfy the DME accreditation training and competency
requirements for accreditation for DMEPOS.
MethGuard™: Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005
(PH-1058) ....................................................................................................................... 00:30
Developed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to support compliance with the Combat
Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005, this course provides learners with the policies and procedures for
handling the sales restrictions of Scheduled Listed Chemical Products containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine or
phenylpropanolamine.
National Pharmacy Technician Training Program (7th edition)
(PH-1993) ...................................................................................................................... 09:00
This course prepares the learner with knowledge of the functions of a pharmacy technician and reviews the
importance of confidentiality, along with an overview of federal and state regulations.
Pharmacy Technicians in the Workplace (PH-1036)............................................... 01:30
Learn about the knowledge and skills a pharmacy technician must possess to effectively manage the work in a
pharmacy, including: the federal and state laws that regulate pharmacy activities; the workflow process in a
pharmacy; the different types of medications dispensed in a pharmacy; procedures for filling prescriptions,
processing third-party prescriptions and managing inventory; and providing effective customer service.
Preventing Fraud, Waste & Abuse in Pharmacy Practice - General 2012 (PH1987)............................................................................................................................. 00:30
Completers of this course acquire an understanding of Medicaid and Medicare fraud, waste and abuse
regulations. All recently established related standards and recommendations are rolled into a single course so
learners need only take this one course.
Preventing Workplace Harassment (MC-1015)...................................................... 00:30
This course is designed to provide managers, and those in management roles, with a comprehensive
understanding of harassment which disrupts the workplace. In addition, the course reviews the legal safeguards
in place and presents options on addressing harassment to maintain trust and open communications between
employees and management.
Product Category Training: Store Brands - Enhancing Profitability
(PT-1025) .................................................................................................................. 00:30
24
Store brands offer customers high-quality products at an attractive price, contributing to a retailer’s profitability.
In this course, you’ll learn how to inform customers about store brand value and how to address customers’
concerns and motivations related to store brands. Complex key terms and concepts are explained, including
phrases such as “comparable to national brands,” “current good manufacturing practices (cGMP),” and “FDA
systems approach to ensuring quality.”
Product Solutions for Customers (PT-1036) ...........................................................02:00
The customer service you provide may be the single most important strategy for increasing sales. This course is
based on a simple but powerful equation: Greater customer satisfaction means increased customer loyalty and
stronger sales.
This presentation shows you how to engage with customers and build total solutions for their individual needs.
You’ll learn how to operate confidently in the aisles and behind counters, so that both you and your customers
complete interactions with a sense of achievement.
Quality & Patient Safety: A Training Program for Community
Pharmacy (PH-1031) ................................................................................................ 01:00
Developed in partnership with NACDS, this online course systematically shows pharmacy personnel how to
establish a medication error prevention program and avoid liability. Upon completion of this ACPE-accredited
course, learners will also be able to describe the methods and tools used to identify and prevent common
pharmacy errors, and be prepared to respond to patients and customers in the event that an incident occurs.
Responsible Vendor................................................................................................... 00:15
Learners will enhance their knowledge of the state's responsible vendor requirements through interactive
exercises.
This program is designed for both managers and employees of off-premise establishments and reviews practices
to reduce or prevent incidents that can lead to accidents, injuries and death due to intoxication, signs of
intoxication and the effects of alcohol on human behavior, and the handling of underage customers and how to
check ID for age verification.
Safety Basics (MC-1023) ......................................................................................... 00:15
This course emphasizes OSHA’s basic safety guidelines. It discusses how everyone can contribute to the critical
job of safety, and how to identify hazards and prevent accidents.
25
MERA GRANT TIMELINES
September 9
September 17
September 13
October 1
November 18
March 3
March 14
April 26
Get OCLOs approved (send the proper completed form to Brandi Armand) no later than
this date if applying for the 1st round of grants. The only OCLOs that do not require
preapproval are those listed in the grant application. Employer Appreciation Banquets
where the function is away from school are to be treated as an off-campus OCLO. Taking
your students to another function (other than DECA) to compete in or take part in a
marketing, entrepreneurship and workforce development related activity is also an OCLO
which must be pre-approved.
First round of grant applications are due. Postmark and mail (or deliver) your grant
application to MERA, P.O. Box 44034, Baton Rouge, LA 70804. Also email a copy of
all pages to brandi@laretail.org.
Get OCLO approved; this deadline date is if you are applying for the 2nd round of grants.
Also email a copy of all pages to brandi@laretail.org.
Second round of grant applications are due. Postmark and mail (or deliver) your grant to
MERA, P.O. Box 44034, Baton Rouge, LA 70804. If you need to drop off your grant,
please contact Brandi at 225-344-9481 to set up a time to deliver.
Last day for changes and/or corrections to be made to your grant. If it is not complete on
this date, you will miss the opportunity to get funding.
The deadline to spend all of your MERA funds; spend any excess remaining grant funds
on items on the MERA pre-approved list which will be emailed to you by this date
Final Grant Report including completed teacher, student, and employer evaluations is due
to MERA office.
MERA grant refunds due in MERA office if Final Report is not submitted.
REMINDER: ALL DEADLINES WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED!!
CHECKLIST
FOR SUBMISSION OF MERA GRANT


APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE in this order:
_____ GRANT COVER PAGE (check programs you will be participating in)
_____ MERA GRANT INFO PAGE
_____ MERA GRANT AGREEMENT WITH ALL SIGNATURES
_____ OFFICIAL ROSTER(S): student name & grade levels, the official class name used by the
parish system, the period & semester, and each class roster MUST be signed by the teacher and
principal. You cannot count a student twice if you teach the student in more than one
class for the year.
_____ GOAL, IMPLEMENTATION & COST EXPLANATION (one for each goal if you are
receiving a classroom grant)
_____ GOAL & IMPLEMENTATION BUDGET SUMMARY
_____ TOTAL BUDGET BREAKDOWN
_____ THREE PRICE QUOTES for any items of technology and equipment valued at over $200.
Write the goal number for which the item is being purchased on the first page. If you are unable
to get 3 quotes, please specify why.
Postmark (use certified mail) or deliver to the MERA office.
MERA
PO Box 44034
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
If you plan to hand deliver your grant, contact the MERA office at
225-344-9481 to schedule delivery
26
PLANNING FOR YOUR FINAL REPORT (Your final report instructions and forms
will be sent to you in January. You can also download the forms from the MERA
website.)
In your MERA Final Report you must type at least a paragraph describing each one of your goals. Each
different goal requires a new paragraph. After you describe your goal, describe the following:
(1) what activities you conducted (you can list them) to accomplish your goal,
(2) what types of assessments/evaluations were made,
(3) how did this goal improve, enhance, or enrich your class objectives? If you did not complete a goal
entirely, please state what percentage you did complete and explain why.
(4) attach Evaluation forms from each student, the teacher, and any business people involved for each goal.
A teacher evaluation MUST also be completed and placed on top of the students’ evaluation. If you
involve any business people in your goals, have them complete an evaluation and put these directly
behind your evaluation and in front of your students’ evaluations. These forms will be provided by
MERA.
Complete the “Actual Itemized Expenses” form showing the original goal #, exactly what and where you spent
your money, amount budgeted and amount spent, and then list the serial #s if equipment or the pass code if
software. List vendors/stores used. You must also number each of your receipts (1, 2, 3, etc.) and then put the
receipt number on your “Actual Itemized Expenses” form. ITEMIZED receipts are required instead of just a
total.
Submit either MERA Account printout (which shows only MERA deposits and disbursements) along with
itemized receipts which are presented in the order they are shown on the printout. Do not edit, cut, or cover up
any portion of your receipt OR if you didn’t have a special MERA account, then attach a copy of each official
school district Purchase Order along with the accompanying receipt. A P.O. must be on official school district
forms, listing the complete mailing address of the Vendor, signed by a district official, and then sent to the
vendor.
Attach samples of student work and any pictures of students doing the work. Identify the students in the photo
and explain what they are doing. If you have a very good business plan written by a student, please include it.
If your School-Based Enterprise (SBE) has been certified by National DECA, send MERA a copy of your
report.
Put all of the above in a flat folder (manila, project or multi-spiral) in the order listed and
submit to MERA at P.O. Box 44034, Baton Rouge, LA 70804 by March 15.
MERA WEBSITE
Visit the MERA website for additional information on your grant. Go to:
http://www.laretail.org/
Click on MERA on the left side
USERNAME: mera
PASSWORD: teacher
(you may need to type the username/password more than one time to get in)
27
EVERY GRANT APPLICANT and PARTICIPANT MUST COMPLETE THIS FORM
MERA Program Evaluation
Please write/type an “X” in the box next to your classification:
Student
Teacher
Employer
Name of School
Write/type an “X” in front of the activity you participated in that was supported by MERA. Complete a separate evaluation form
for each activity:
Customer Service Training
LearnSomething Workforce Online Training
OSHA Training
DECA Conferences
Career Day
Classroom Grant
I Employ MERA Students (Employers ONLY)
Other______________________________
Write/type the number (1-5) in the gray box to the right which best describes
your feelings on this statement.
5-Strongly Agree 4-Agree 3-Disagree 2-Strongly Disagree 1-Don’t Know
FOR STUDENTS
1. The MERA training and assistance has better prepared me for the workforce.
2. I will continue using the knowledge and resources gained through this program in the future.
3. My overall experience as it relates to MERA programs has been positive and beneficial.
Additional Comments
FOR TEACHERS
1. I will continue utilizing MERA programs to create enhanced learning opportunities.
2. MERA programs provide knowledge and resources that my students will use in the future.
3. My overall experience as it relates to MERA programs has been positive and beneficial.
Additional Comments
FOR EMPLOYERS
1. I will hire additional students involved in the MERA program.
Type/write “Y” for yes or “N” for no
2. Please rate your overall experience as it relates to MERA programs.
Additional Comments
28