Hoffman Estates, IL – April 13, 2016 – AudaExplore, a Solera Company (NYSE: SLH), working together with the Collision Repair Education Foundation, will be awarding $25,000 in tool grants to all high school and post-secondary collision repair and refinishing students competing at the national SkillsUSA contest. The tool grants are in recognition of the student’s outstanding efforts in qualifying to compete at the national SkillsUSA event and help prepare them for a career within the collision industry.
“This donation aligns well with our LIFT charitable giving program, which focuses on helping those in need to build sustainable roots for lasting change,” said Rick Tuuri, VP of Industry Relations, AudaExplore. “The U.S. Department of Labor projected the employment growth of the automotive body segment to be 13 percent from 2012 to 2022. SkillsUSA and the Collision Repair Education Foundation have done a fantastic job enhancing career opportunities for students to take advantage of this growth and we are proud to be a part of it.”
Collision Repair Education Foundation Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode noted, “This is the third year that AudaExplore has made this financial investment in recognizing these students as they represent the ‘best of the best’ collision repair and refinishing students from around the country that have competed at the local and state level to earn the right to travel to Louisville. In order for this industry to retain these students, it is important that these future industry professionals feel valued and this student tool grant is an incredible display of highlighting their achievements.”
For additional information about AudaExplore’s LIFT program, visit http://www.solerainc.com/about-us/lift. Inter-industry organizations and individuals who are interested in supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation and increase the amount of assistance provided to collision schools and students should contact Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode at Brandon.Eckenrode@ed foundation.org / 847.463.5244.
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About the Collision Repair Education Foundation: The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to support collision repair educational programs, schools, and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation visit us online: www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org
