Hoffman Estates, Ill. (November 14, 2022) –
Collision students need a hero…and they’ve found just the champion they so desperately need in Hertz, as the organization has repeatedly proven its dedication to high school and college collision schools and students through its generous support and sponsorship of the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), contributing over $125,000 to the industry’s future in 2022 alone!
“CREF is so grateful to Hertz for its ongoing commitment to the students pursuing a collision career and the educational facilities training them to enter the industry,” lauds CREF Managing Director Brandon Eckenrode. “Their generosity is heartwarming and truly demonstrates how important it is to get involved with our industry’s future. On behalf of the CREF staff and Board, we sincerely thank Hertz for their continued support and look forward to a continued partnership into the future.”
In addition to sponsoring Cintas shirts for students and participating in several local High School & College Transportation Student Career Fairs in 2022, Hertz sponsored CREF’s 2022 Annual Golf Fundraiser and is sponsoring the upcoming TopGolf fundraiser scheduled for November 17 in Schaumburg, IL. Hertz was also the hosting sponsor of CREF’s Art Meets Automotive Reception at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
CREF is also pleased to announce that seven schools will receive 2022 Benchmark Grants, funded by Hertz. Eligibility for these awards was achieved by applying for the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s 2022 Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grant.
“Hertz is proud of our longstanding relationship with CREF and providing grants to high school and college students nationwide who are looking for careers in collision repair,” said Kristle Bollans, Hertz Senior Director Replacement Accounts. “We have a company goal for 25% of our fleet to be electric by the end of 2024, and it’s critically important for us to educate and prepare the next generation with skills necessary to keep these vehicles in service.”
The following four schools will each receive $5,000 grants:
- Northeast Arkansas Career & Technical Center (Jonesboro, AR)
- Forbes Road Career & Technology Center (Monroeville, PA)
- Des Moines Area Community College (Ankeny, IA)
- Dennis Technical Education Center (Boise, ID)
Three additional schools will receive $10,000 each in grants from Hertz:
- Etowah County Career Technical Center (Attalla, AL)
- Stanly Community College (Albemarle, NC)
- Contra Costa College (San Pablo, CA)
The Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grants recognize schools that excel at educating students in collision repair, but due to strained school budgets, the programs require additional financial assistance. Recipient schools use these funds to provide the tools, equipment and supplies necessary to enhance their students’ learning experience and elevate the caliber of their graduates, ensuring that graduates are prepared to successfully enter the workforce upon graduation. Applications for the 2023 Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grants will be available online in Spring 2023.
For more information about Hertz, visit hertz.com.
Industry members interested in getting involved and supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s efforts to assist secondary and post-secondary collision repair training programs can Contact Us to learn about the many ways to get involved. Monetary donations can be made online.
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 or any of CREF’s initiatives, please email info@ed-foundation.org.
