Hoffman Estates, Ill. (December 17, 2019) –
In a show of generosity and dedication to the future of the collision repair industry, 3M pledged $50,000 to the newly established Growing the Collision Education Programs of Tomorrow grant that it has partnered on with the Collision Repair Education Foundation and invited the industry to join their efforts to support schools striving to advance their collision training programs. The pledge was made during the Foundation’s annual reception at the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel during the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev.
Mark S. Algie, Business Development Manager for 3M’s Automotive Aftermarket Division, stated, “There is a real crisis in the industry related to the shortage of qualified technicians, and supporting career and technical education can help combat this dilemma. The pace of change in automotive technology has accelerated, and it’s critically important that collision students learn the latest repair techniques using modern tools, equipment and supplies. 3M wants to give back to the automotive aftermarket industry, and our partnership with the Collision Repair Education Foundation helps ensure tomorrow’s collision industry workforce has the skills they need to succeed.”
3M also took the opportunity to award two $10,000 grants which were gratefully accepted by the Franklin Technology Center (Joplin, MO) and Hennepin Technical College (Eden Prairie, MN). The schools will use these grant funds to purchase tools and equipment necessary to enhance the training opportunities provided to their students and ensure students are prepared to successfully enter the workforce upon graduation.
Clark Plucinski, Executive Director of the Foundation, expressed, “The grants provided to these two schools will be instrumental in helping their collision programs advance to the next level and ensure that their students graduate with the skills and confidence needed to enter the workforce. The Foundation is excited to continue its work with 3M, and we are grateful for their ongoing support and their unparalleled dedication to the collision repair industry.”
The goal of the grant is a joint industry effort, and 3M and the Foundation encourage industry members to contribute to the Growing the Collision Education Programs of Tomorrow which will provide much needed financial support for additional schools’ collision programs.
3M has supported the efforts of the Collision Repair Education Foundation since 2008 with over $10 million worth of in-kind product donations provided as well as by funding grants and supporting the Foundation’s Hire Our Heroes campaign. For additional information about 3M, visit www.3mcollision.com.
Industry members interested in supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s efforts to assist secondary and post-secondary collision repair training programs should contact Brandon Eckenrode, Director of Development, at 312-231-0258 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org.
The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting 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 at: www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please call 888-722-3787 or email info@ed-foundation.org.
