HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL – February 27, 2017 – In 2016 the collision industry provided over $12 million in donations to high school and college collision school programs through the Collision Repair Education Foundation, an increase of over 13 percent from 2015. Over $60 million has been provided since 2008 when the Education Foundation began its philanthropic focus of assisting collision school programs and students.
“In 2016 the Education Foundation made significant strides to help achieve its vision of a collision industry with a sufficient number of qualified, properly trained, and immediately productive entry-level employees to meet current and future Industry needs. Through the collision industry’s generous support we are able to deliver on our mission to support collision repair school programs and students to connect them with the array of careers opportunities across the industry,” said Clark Plucinski, Collision Repair Education Foundation Executive Director. “Working together as an industry ensures that the students graduate and are productive and efficient day one. Thank you for supporting our efforts as we are truly making a difference supporting schools and students across the country.”
The Education Foundation continues to be recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four (out of Four) Star Charity, and returned eight-eight cents of every dollar donated towards supporting the school programs, instructors, and students in 2016.
Stacy Bartnik, Collision Repair Education Foundation Board of Trustees Chair from ITW Evercoat said, “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, staff and the collision school programs and students we were able to support, I would like to thank our 2016 donors. We had an incredible year that saw us clearly define our Vision and Mission and establish 16 collision career fairs across the U.S. that were attended by over 4000 students interested in entering the industry. In 2017, we have already developed a statement of need, in conjunction with our industry supporters, to clearly define the steps necessary to achieve our Vision. I would invite companies and individuals to join us in providing support.”
For additional information about the Collision Repair Education Foundation, visit CollisionEducationFoundation.org. Inter-industry organizations and individuals who are interested in supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation in 2017 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.
