Collision Repair Education Foundation

News & Events

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Weekly School Application Guide

Melissa Marscin, Director of Operations and Administration, for the Collision Repair Education Foundation provides weekly tips to help schools fill out the Foundation’s Benchmark Grant Application.

Week 8

Here is this week’s goals after you log-in to your application:

  • Attachment 2-Instructor Statement
    Look over what is missing!
  • Finish what you need to and hit the submit button! Due date is June 7th.

Week 7

Here is this week’s goals after you log-in to your application:

  • Fill out the Attachment 1-Budget for Supplies/Equipment Needed

Week 6

Here is this week’s goals after you log-in to your application:

  • Complete the placement numbers section (might involve contacting other departments)
  • Follow up with administration from week 2’s task:

    Use the arrow buttons to get to the Attachments and go to Attachment 3-Administrator/Dean/Principal Statement
    a. Enter in his/her name.
    b. Email him/her with the 4 questions listed to get a statement for the application. Also, be sure to ask about the budget section to get exact number.

Week 5

Here is this week’s goals after you log-in to your application:

  • Once in the application, go to the section “Other Collision Program Information” and complete it
  • Go back to Week 2 and see if your Advisory Committee Chair completed his/her statement. It not, please be sure to remind them!

Week 4

Here is this week’s goals after you log-in to your application:

  • Once in the application, go to the tool list and use the drop down to identify if you have or need the items. The “need” items should be the items you prioritize on your budget.

Week 3

Here is this week’s goals after you log-in to your application: 

  1. Complete all the information under the sections:
    1. Contract Hours
    2. Curriculum
    3. NATEF Certification
    4. Outside Activities
    5. Active Advisory Committee
    6. Continuing Education Hours
    7. Internships/Apprenticeships

 

Week 2 (will take you 5 minutes or less!)

Here is this week’s goals after you log-in to your application:

  1. Use the arrow buttons to get to the Attachments and go to Attachment 3-Administroat/Dean/Principal Statement
    1. Enter in his/her name.
    2. Email him/her with the 4 questions listed to get a statement for the application. Also, be sure to ask about the budget section to get exact number.
  2. Use the arrow buttons to get to the Attachments part and go to Attachment 4-Collision Repair Advisory Chairperson Program Review. Follow the directions in that section. In summary, you will enter his/her email and name and an email will automatically be generated to that person with a template to fill out.

Week 1

Here is this week’s goals after you log-in to your application:

Step 1) Fill out the first section, General School Information (should just take a few minutes)

Step 2) Start discussion with your AV or videography department if they are willing to help with the video part of the application. If they are not available, determine who you can talk with about renting a GoPro or even using your phone to do the video. Perhaps one of your students is even willing to help?  If you have any questions about the video requirements, see the part of the application about it (Supporting Video Tour). Feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions about the video.

 

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KSI AUTO PARTS CONTRIBUTES OVER $250,000 TO SUPPORT COLLISION REPAIR EDUCATION FOUNDATION MISSION

Hoffman Estates, IL – March 21, 2019 – – KSI Auto Parts has contributed over $250,000 in financial and in-kind support for collision repair schools through the Collision Repair Education Foundation. KSI contributed $25,000 to support the Foundation last year and initiated a program to donate parts to collision school programs. Through the parts donation program, they have contributed $240,000 in parts to schools, The monetary contribution assists Education Foundation’s ability to offer collision school tool and equipment grants and student scholarships across the U.S.

At many schools, students have to practice on parts that have been in use for many years and practiced upon by previous students. The parts donations by KSI Auto Parts help students work on parts for newer vehicles that they are more likely to see when they join the collision industry workforce.

According to Joe Pantano, an auto collision repair instructor with Bergen County Technical Schools in Paramus, N.J., the donations helped him provide his students with a vastly improved learning experience.

“Prior to receiving this very generous donation from KSI, our students were using the same parts over and over again for years. As you can imagine, the parts were pretty worn out. The new parts allow us to have each student practice his or her skills individually as opposed to bringing in an entire vehicle, taking up a large amount of shop space,” said Pantano. “Overall these parts have made a tremendous improvement in the learning by providing quality repairs and showing the students that the industry does think about helping future technicians.”

KSI Auto Parts CEO, Christopher Patti commented, “As KSI continues to grow and pursue its long-term growth strategy we want to make sure that we become a more active participant within industry.  We are excited to partner with the CREF through these donations and look forward to building a stronger partnership over the years that will continue to benefit the students in these programs for years to come.”

Collision Repair Education Foundation Executive Director Clark Plucinski said, “KSI Auto Parts’ support for both the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) and collision schools helps improve the training and preparation entry-level employees receive prior to starting their career in the industry. School collision repair programs need the industry’s support to graduate qualified and properly trained students. On behalf of the schools, students, and instructors that will benefit from this support, we thank KSI Auto Parts for their support.”

Collision repair facilities, insurance companies and suppliers interested in supporting school grants should contact Education Foundation Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode at (312) 231-0258 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org.

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About KSI Auto Parts:

Founded in 1984, KSI is an industry-leading distributor of quality replacement auto body parts servicing over 20,000 collision repair shop customers across 25 locations in 14 states. In addition to top quality products, KSI has succeeded in providing superior customer service, rapid order turnaround and competitive pricing over the last three decades. Headquartered in South Plainfield, New Jersey, KSI has over 700 employees across the U.S. For more information regarding KSI, visit www.ksiautoparts.com.

About the Collision Repair Education Foundation:

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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REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2019 COLLISION REPAIR EDUCATION FOUNDATION GOLF FUNDRAISER CO-HOSTED BY PPG

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL (February 13, 2019) – Registration for the 18th Annual Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) Golf Fundraiser, co-hosted by the automotive refinish business unit of PPG, is now open. The event will be held Tuesday, July 23rd, 2019. Golfers will enjoy a round of golf at Brickyard Crossing Golf Course in Indianapolis, Ind., voted in Top 100 American Public Golf Courses by Golf Digest and Golfweek. This course has 4 holes inside the oval and 14 holes adjacent to the backstretch of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Organizers anticipate the Golf Fundraiser selling out during the spring, so early registration is encouraged. The event supports the Education Foundation in its mission to provide support for collision repair programs at high school and colleges across North America.

Participants can register online through the Education Foundation’s website.

(https://www.collisioneducationfoundation.org/collision-education-foundation-golf-tournament/)

Registration for the fundraiser includes 18 holes of golf, cart rental, beverages and snacks on the course, lunch, dinner, promotional items, and opportunities to participate in contests throughout the day.

The event will be held in conjunction with the Collision Industry Conference and MSO Symposium events taking place that week in Indianapolis.

“PPG takes pride in supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation and such a worthy industry challenge. The industry wide shortage of people in our industry has been highlighted as the #1 hurdle we face when staffing for consistent quality repairs. We challenge the entire collision industry repair community to join us in Indianapolis this July to help raise additional funds, support, and awareness for high school and college collision school programs through this great event,” said Tom Wolf, PPG, Director Business Development USCA. “Through the event’s sponsors, players, and volunteers we are able to not only have a great afternoon of golf fellowship but assist the Foundation in supporting the future professionals of our great industry.”

Brandon Eckenrode, Collision Repair Education Foundation Director of Development, said, “Our annual golf fundraiser is an incredible event that helps us raise funds to provide crucial support to collision school programs across the country. We anticipate that we will be sold out within a matter of a few short months, so please register early.”

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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 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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DEADLINE FOR COLLISION REPAIR EDUCATION FOUNDATION SPRING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS FEBRUARY 14

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL (February 6, 2019) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation 2019 grant and scholarship application period will close next Thursday, February 14, 2019. The application period is open for high school and post-secondary collision students who will be attending career and technical schools and colleges in the fall.

The Foundation and its industry supporters offer over $200,000 in grants and scholarships annually, as part of their mission to promote collision repair education and create quality candidates for entry level job opportunities.

Application information for CREF grants and scholarships is posted on their website, at https://www.collisioneducationfoundation.org/student-scholarship-and-grant-application-2/. This deadline to apply is February 14, 2019, and winners are chosen and notified by phone or mail in April and May.

“I encourage all collision students to apply for these awards,” said Melissa Marscin, Director of Operations/Administration for the Foundation. “The deadline is fast approaching for the life-changing opportunity for students to graduate with lower or no debt and possibly a tool box ready for employment.”

Collision repair facilities, insurance companies and suppliers interested in supporting scholarships or school grants should contact Education Foundation Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode at Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org or (312) 231-0258.

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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 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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ENTERPRISE HOLDINGS FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTES $75,000 TO COLLISION REPAIR EDUCATION FOUNDATION

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL (January 30, 2019) –  The Enterprise Holdings Foundation continues its support of the Collision Repair Education Foundation with a contribution of $75,000 to support collision education. The donation benefits the entire industry by enhancing the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s ability to offer grants and scholarships to career and technical schools and colleges and the students attending these schools. The Enterprise Holdings Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the company that operates the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands through its integrated global network of independent and regional subsidiaries and franchises.

“These students are vital to the future of the collision repair and automotive insurance industries, as well as our own business and vehicle service centers, and through our support of the Collision Repair Education Foundation, we can help students pursue their careers in the industry,” said Mary Mahoney, vice president of Insurance Replacement for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. “We’re committed to helping provide opportunities for the next generation of vehicle repair technicians to receive high-quality, hands-on repair training through access to the latest vehicle models and technologies.”

Clark Plucinski, executive director of the Collision Repair Education Foundation, added, “Enterprise’s continued support of the Collision Repair Education Foundation provides crucial support to the industry’s efforts to help collision schools across the country. These schools graduate productive, efficient, and capable staff members day one on the job within the collision industry. Enterprise’s support assists in our ability to help high school and post-secondary collision instructors provide the quality technical education their students need to succeed in the industry.”

Industry members interested in joining the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s roster of supporters to assist high school and post-secondary collision school programs and students should contact Brandon Eckenrode, the Education Foundation’s Director of Development, at (312)231-0258 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org.

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About ENTERPRISE HOLDINGS:

Enterprise Holdings – through its integrated global network of independent regional subsidiaries and franchises – operates the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands at more than 10,000 fully staffed neighborhood and airport locations. Combined, Enterprise Holdings and its affiliate Enterprise Fleet Management accounted for $24.1 billion in revenue and owned 2 million vehicles throughout the world in fiscal year 2018. Enterprise Holdings’ regional subsidiaries and Enterprise Fleet Management currently employ 100,000 worldwide. Enterprise Holdings currently is ranked as one of America’s Largest Private Companies. Furthermore, if it were publicly traded, Enterprise Holdings would rank on Fortune’s list of the 500 largest American public companies.

About the Collision Repair Education Foundation:

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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DENVER HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE TRANSPORTATION CAREER FAIR DURING THE 2019 DENVER AUTO SHOW TO RAISE AWARENESS OF COLLISION INDUSTRY EMPLOYMENT NEEDS

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL (January 24, 2019) –The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is hosting a two day career fair on March 29-30 in collaboration with the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association (CADA). Held during the Denver Auto Show at the Colorado Convention Center auto dealers and collision professionals will have a chance to present career opportunities to student training for a transportation career and other attendees.

“Hosting the career fair at the Denver Auto Show offers the collision industry an important opportunity,” said Brandon Eckenrode, Director of Development at CREF, “Not only can students connect with prospective employers, but sponsoring businesses in collision repair can shine a light on industry issues like the technician shortage with an audience made up of the general public.”

The career fair is held during the Denver Auto Show Friday March 29 from 2-7 p.m. and Saturday, March 30, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Colorado Convention Center located at 700 14th Street in Denver.

During the career fair, auto show attendees and the anticipated 400+ high school and college student attendees will have the opportunity to learn about career opportunities from participating sponsors and connect with potential employers.

“Partnering with CREF was an opportunity for CADA to offer Colorado’s tech students additional career choices,” said Kim Jackson, Marketing and communications Director at CADA.

Career fair employers can choose one of three sponsorship tiers to showcase the various career paths available to partners, students, and families who attend the auto show.

The Foundation is aiming to recruit 20 collision repair industry employers or representative companies as table sponsors. CADA is also aiming to recruit 20 table sponsors, most of which will be auto dealers.

“New car dealers are painfully aware of the auto technician shortage in their bays,” said Jackson, “As Baby Boomers continue to retire in droves and vehicles become more technologically advanced, the demand for today’s well-trained automotive technician is high.”

Sponsor Information:

The 20 CREF and 20 CADA table sponsors will each have a 10’x10’ booth, an eight foot draped table, two chairs, electrical connections, WiFi, their company name on the passport, and a copy of the student registration list. Investment: $1,500.

The four supporting sponsors will receive all the benefits of the table sponsor, plus their company logo featured on the sleeve of the student tech shirts (as long as the sponsorship is secured by February 16, 2019) and have their company logo on the passport. Investment: $3,000.

The lead sponsor receives all the benefits of the table sponsor, plus their company logo featured on the front of the student tech shirts (as long as the sponsorship is secured by February 16, 2019) and have their company logo on the passport. Investment: $7,500.

To register your company for the event, email Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org

Additional 2019 CREF Events at Special Locations

CREF is hosting a list of career fairs this spring, including the Chicago Spring Career fair. Hosted in conjunction with the World of Wheels/AutoRama Student Day Event, the Chicago Career Fair is another opportunity to increase awareness of collision repair industry issues, like the repair technician shortage.

Student Day takes place during the Friday morning of opening weekend of World of Wheels/AutoRama event and is only open to local students. Over 700 collision and auto service students attend annually.

For more information, look at the autorama website. https://autorama.com/student-day/

Complete CREF Career Fair Schedule for Spring 2019:

Miami, Florida – February 27, 2019

Tampa/Orlando, Florida – February 28, 2019

San Antonio, Texas – March 6, 2019

Chicago, Illinois – March 8, 2019

Denver, Colorado – March 29-30, 2019

Phoenix, Arizona – April 6, 2019

Atlanta, Georgia – April 28, 2019

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – May 8, 2019

Houston, Texas – TBD

Dallas, Texas – TBD

Detroit, Michigan – TBD

Northern California- TBD

Southern California- TBD

Industry members interested in working with the Collision Repair Education Foundation in support of secondary and postsecondary collision repair students, instructors, and their school programs should contact Education Foundation Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode at Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org or (312) 231-0258.

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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 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.