Collision Repair Education Foundation

Press Release

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Nationwide Sponsors Two Benchmark School Grants Through CREF

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (January 4, 2023) –

Once again, Nationwide Insurance partnered with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) to support collision schools and students by funding $5,000 Benchmark Grants for two Ohio schools in an effort to help collision education programs elevate the caliber of training offered to ensure graduates are prepared to successfully begin their careers in the industry.

“We are honored to continue our support in partnership with the Collision Repair Education Foundation,” said Nationwide Associate Vice President of Material Damage Scott Dunfee. “I appreciate how our industry comes together to support these schools and their noble cause of preparing those entering our industry.”

Nationwide awarded $5,000 Benchmark Grants to:

  • EHOVE Career Center (Milan, OH)
  • Waite High School (Toledo, OH)

Eligibility for these awards was achieved by applying for the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s 2022 Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grant. 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.

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.

Follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

If you would like more information about this topic or any of CREF’s initiatives, please email info@ed-foundation.org.

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CCC’s Classroom Enhancement Grants Allow Schools to Elevate Collision Programs Through CREF

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (January 4, 2023) –

CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc. (CCC) and the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) proudly announce three collision repair school programs will receive Classroom Enhancement Grants, totaling $15,000, awarded through the Collision Repair Education Foundation. The educational facilities will utilize these funds to purchase resources that will enhance their collision repair training programs and equip students with the tools they need for a successful career in collision repair.

“Helping schools create and optimize their environments is essential to helping collision repair students learn their craft,” said Andreas Hecht, senior vice president, OEM services group, CCC. “CCC is proud to build upon our decades of support of schools, students and the Collision Repair Education Foundation to help equip tomorrow’s estimators and technicians with the technology and materials they need to be successful.”

The recipients of CCC’s Classroom Enhancement Grants are RCTC Ypsilanti Community Schools (Ypsilanti, MI), Coastal Carolina Community College (Jacksonville, NC) and West Sound Technical Skills Center (Bremerton, WA).

CCC’s Classroom Enhancement Grants are designed to assist schools’ collision repair programs with classroom materials, such as electronics, tools, furniture and other items, to help provide students pursuing a career in collision repair access to professional learning environments that better prepare them to successfully enter the workforce upon graduation.

Eligibility for these awards was achieved by applying for the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s 2022 Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grant. 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, helping ensure 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.

CCC is a founding member and avid supporter of the Foundation since 1993. For additional information, visit cccis.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.

Follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

If you would like more information about this topic or any of CREF’s initiatives, please email info@ed-foundation.org.

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Driven Brands Supports Four Collision Schools with $20,000 in Benchmark Grants Through CREF

 
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (January 4, 2023) –

Driven Brands Collision again partnered with the Collision Repair Education Foundation to support four collision repair education programs in secondary and post-secondary schools by funding each with a $5,000 Benchmark Grant. These grants elevate the caliber of graduates entering the field and benefit educational facilities located in Driven Brands Collision markets.

“We see individuals build successful lives for themselves and their families through opportunities they received in the collision repair industry,” said Chris Dawson, collision and paint president, Driven Brands. “We are proud to support the Collision Repair Education Foundation as they work diligently to keep these critical collision repair programs intact at schools across the country. We can’t wait to see the talent that comes out of these programs!”

$5,000 Driven Collision Grants were awarded to:

  • North Idaho College (Coeur d’Alene, ID)
  • Lex La-Ray Technical Center (Lexington, MO)
  • Greenville Technical Center (Greenville, SC)
  • Pulaski High School (Milwaukee, WI)

Secondary and post-secondary schools applied for the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s 2022 Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grant. 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.

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.

Follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

If you would like more information about this topic or any of CREF’s initiatives, please email info@ed-foundation.org.

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GEICO’s $15,000 in Benchmark Grants Benefits Three Collision Schools Through CREF

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (January 4, 2023) –

Continuing its support of the collision industry in 2022, GEICO sponsored three Benchmark Grants through the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), with $5,000 being awarded to each school in an effort to help underfunded collision education programs elevate the caliber of training offered to ensure graduates are prepared to successfully begin their careers in the industry.

“GEICO has long focused on doing our part to make roads safer for everyone,” said D. Ryan West, Assistant Vice President, GEICO. “This donation will help young people build promising and important careers as repair professionals. We’re proud to support the great work CREF does.”

The schools that will benefit are:

  • Career Center of Southern Illinois (Red Bud, IL)
  • Area30 Career Center (Greencastle, IN)
  • SUNY Morrisville (Morrisville, NY)

Eligibility for these awards was achieved by applying for the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s 2022 Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grant. 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.

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.

Follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

If you would like more information about this topic or any of CREF’s initiatives, please email info@ed-foundation.org.

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A Continuing Legacy: Jeff Silver Memorial Scholarship

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (December 13, 2022) 

As the collision industry mourned the passing of Jeff Silver, who was instrumental creating both I-CAR and the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), his family immediately recognized an ideal way to honor his memory and continue his long-lasting legacy on the industry he loved: by creating the “Jeff Silver Memorial Scholarship.”

“Jeff was passionate about helping collision school programs and their students, which is why he had an active role in establishing the Collision Repair Education Foundation back in 1991,” shares Jeanne Silver, his wife and soulmate of 36 years. “This memorial scholarship will allow his vision to carry on in supporting these students. Thank you in advance for considering helping honor Jeff’s legacy by supporting this scholarship!”

Born in 1942, Jeff passed away on September 23, 2022 shortly after his 80th birthday. A loving father to four children and Pop Pop to five grandchildren, he left a lasting impact on many outside his family as well through his dedication to the collision repair community. After graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1966, Jeff began his automotive career at General Motors, helping to develop safety standards before shifting his focus from studying crashes to repairing cars after an accident in 1973.

A respected trailblazer and leaders in industry repair standards, Jeff became involved with I-CAR at its founding, and beginning in 1986, he served as Executive Vice President for 11 years where he helped establish I-CAR’s Gold Class program. During his tenure with I-CAR, Jeff’s concern with the lack of workers entering the skilled trades led to the establishing of the Foundation in 1991 in an effort to attract young people to the collision repair industry and to support the training institutions providing their educations.

Following his departure from I-CAR in 1996, Jeff and Jeanne partnered as owners and operators of Butterfield Bodyworks CARSTAR (Mundelein, IL) until their retirement in 2021. During their 25 years in business, the couple remained engaged with the industry and its future. Jeanne was elected to CREF’s Board of Directors in 2013 and served three terms; from 2018-2020, she guided the organization as Chair of the Board.

“Jeff was my rock, best friend and soulmate,” Jeanne says. “He was beloved by so many people who enjoyed his wit and intelligence.”

Jeff’s dedication to the industry was rewarded in 1993 when he was inducted into the Hall of Eagles, the collision industry’s “Hall of Fame;” Jeanne’s induction in 2015 made them the second husband and wife duo to receive the honor. Since 2009, I-CAR has recognized Jeff’s dedication and service by awarding the annual “Jeff Silver Award” to a select I-CAR Platinum designee who actively promotes the Platinum designation and training and works to bolster the collision repair industry’s positive image.

Memorial funds offer a way to honor a loved one’s memory and continue their legacy, often by helping others in a way that the honoree would have especially appreciated. Due to Jeff’s love for the collision industry and his dedication to ensuring that the next generation would enjoy the same opportunities within the field, the Silver family believes the “Jeff Silver Memorial Scholarship,” designed to help remove financial barriers for students studying collision repair, is the perfect way to continue the legacy he left behind.

Anyone considering a year-end, tax-deductible charitable gift is invited to consider helping to honor Jeff’s memory by contributing to his memorial scholarship fund. Simply visit CREF’s online donation page, and select the “Jeff Silver Memorial Scholarship” designation for your donation. Scholarship applications will open in January, and the inaugural Jeff Silver Memorial Scholarship will be awarded in 2023.

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.

Follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

If you would like more information about this topic or any of CREF’s initiatives, please email info@ed-foundation.org.

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Holding Out for a Hero in Hertz

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.

Follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

If you would like more information about this topic or any of CREF’s initiatives, please email info@ed-foundation.org.