Collision Repair Education Foundation

Press Release

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CREF Raises $100,000 for Collision Students and Schools at 20th Annual Golf Fundraiser

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (August 4, 2022)–

The Collision Repair Education Foundation’s (CREF) 20th Annual Golf Fundraiser, co-hosted by PPG Automotive Finishes, was a roaring success! Held on July 19 at the Edgewood Country Club in Pittsburgh, PA, the event sold out to capacity with 146 sponsors and industry supports enjoying a day on the green while raising over $100,000 to support collision repair programs, schools and students around the country.

“PPG is honored to continue partnering with the Foundation in this premier event,” said Tom Wolf, director of business development, automotive refinish for PPG. “It’s not often we get a chance to bring together industry professionals from all over the country in an effort to collectively address our largest resource challenge: a qualified, well-trained staff for our businesses. It’s wonderful to see the industry come together to support the great work CREF does.”

The winning team – with a score of just 56! – consisted of Rich Finoli (PPG), Steve Morelli (community supporter), Derek Severns (Bowser Automotive) and John Parran (PPG).

Participants also had the chance to win great prizes by competing in individual hole contests. The winners included:

  • Longest Drive #2: Steve Gruber (Caliber Collision)
  • Closest to the Pin #5: Rich Finoli (PPG)
  • Straightest Drive #10: Kevin Baker (Caliber Collision)
  • Closest to the Pin #14: Mark Miller (PPG)
  • Longest Drive #17: Brian Maceil (community supporter)

Helicopter ball drop winners included Linda Mazur (community supporter), Charlie Jordan (Caliber Collision) and Mary Mahoney (Enterprise Holdings).

“Thank you to all of our sponsors, golfers, and volunteers who helped make our 20th annual golf fundraiser such an incredible success,” CREF Managing Director Brandon Eckenrode stated. “Funds raised from this event allow CREF to continue supporting high school and college collision programs, students, and instructors across the country. We look forward to gathering everyone again in 2023 when the summer industry meetings take us to Indianapolis!”

Wolf encourages “industry members to participate in our 2023 Golf fundraiser through a sponsorship, by attending or by donating items for the raffle table and silent auction. Because of your efforts, we are making an impact on the resources of the future.”

CREF is grateful to all its 2022 golf fundraiser sponsors and supporters, including PPG, AkzoNobel, Allstate, CAPA, Enterprise, Gerber, GEICO, Hertz, Insurance Auto Auctions, Kent Automotive, Mopar, National Coatings & Supplies/Single Source, PartsTrader, Refinish Distributors Alliance, Service King Collision, Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes, Subaru Certified Collision, asTech, BASF, BCI Equipment Specialists, Caliber Collision, CCC Intelligent Solutions, Chief Automotive, Classic Collision, Columbus Collision Education Group, DCR Systems, FindPigtails.com, LKQ, Painters Supply & Equipment, Polyvance, Refinish Solutions Group, SEM Products, SnapSheet, Tractable and United Recyclers Group.

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 should contact Brandon Eckenrode, Managing Director, at 312-231-0258 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org. 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, please email info@ed-foundation.org.

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2014 Makeover Grant Winner Builds Solid Foundation for Collision Education Program through Support from the Collision Repair Education Foundation

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (August 1, 2022) –

For many years, Thomas Edison Career and Technical Education High School in Jamaica, New York offered only one year of collision classes. As juniors, students decided whether to study automotive or collision during their senior year. In 2012, Assistant Principal Moses Ojeda agreed with Automotive Collision Instructor Barry Roopnarine that “one year was not sufficient to get students trained for an entry-level job in collision repair.”

Upgrading the collision program to a three-year track necessitated “a major revamp from the ground up,” Roopnarine recounted. “We required new tools, equipment, supplies, and other necessities to help the program run smoothly and to ensure we were providing students with the education they’d need to be successful in their future careers.”

Fortunately, Roopnarine learned about the Collision Repair Education Foundation, and when he received reminders to provide information about Thomas Edison CTE, “I completed the school survey and filled some other things out,” he stated. “Then, every so often, the school would receive a package containing supplies or safety items being donated to the program from the collision industry through the Foundation.”

Roopnarine remembers applying for the Foundation’s 2014 Makeover Grant: “It was a lot of work! The Foundation collects data and references to obtain a good snapshot of the collision programs that applied. At the awards ceremony, I watched all the schools get recognized for various smaller grants, and then when it was time for the BIG one, all I heard from ‘Thomas Edison’ before I went into a state of shock that prevented me from hearing the rest of the school name. It was surreal –I wanted to share the news with everyone back home immediately, but there was a three-hour time difference preventing me from spreading the excitement that night.”

The grant being awarded could not have happened at a better time because, with the expansion of the program, it was responsible for providing a solid foundation. We received tools, supplies, and various pieces of equipment that helped modernize the classroom to meet industry standards,” Roopnarine added. “Without these donations, the revamped collision program at Thomas Edison would not have had the strong start that it enjoyed. The industry’s generous donations, facilitated by the Foundation, provided our students with the necessities to be able to learn the trade and sharpen their skills. Without the grant, budgetary constraints would have prevented many of these items from ever making it to the classroom.”

The donations didn’t just result in a revamp to the school’s shop; the Makeover Grant also resulted in a favorable impact on students’ morale. According to Roopnarine, “The students were always as excited as I was when there was a delivery, and that was BEFORE the grant. Winning the grant just meant MORE deliveries, and it was always exciting to see new things come into the shop class. Students saw the industry’s effort to ensure they had what was necessary for their education, and that motivated them to want to succeed! It is frustrating when you are trying to teach students something that requires hands-on activities, but you lack the tools and supplies to do so. CREF has helped alleviate that problem for Thomas Edison and many other schools.”

Receiving the grant brought financial support and vital donations to the collision program, but the Makeover Grant provided Thomas Edison CTE with an unforeseen benefit, as well. “Upon receiving this grant, industry support came along with it,” Roopnarine explained. “Training opportunities, internships, and additional supplies were provided, which helped us develop great working relationships with members of the industry. Their involvement constantly strengthens the program.”

“The support received from the Foundation has also played a critical role in our success as a SkillsUSA chapter,” Roopnarine added. “The donations have helped prepare our students for the various competitions, including a Gold Medal at the 2013 SkillsUSA National Refinishing Competition. It has also allowed top placement at multiple state conferences. Without the support of the grant and prior donations, this would have added additional challenges to overcome.”

Collision repair shops consistently complain that the industry needs more skilled technicians entering the field, while collision schools are in desperate need of more equipment, supplies, and internship opportunities, according to Roopnarine, who believes, “The solution is literally staring us in the face! We need to get the shops and the schools together! When the industry works with the schools, it helps prepare students for those positions that are waiting to be filled. Yes, there is a technician shortage, but together, we can fill that gap.”

Roopnarine works with local shops to provide job shadowing and internship opportunities for his students, but he’s always in need of more industry supporters to help ensure students are prepared to enter a shop with the skillset needed to safely repair vehicles after graduation. He shared, “We have been fortunate to work with some of the top body shops around, including Mid Island Collision and High Velocity Autobody. These facilities have welcomed our students in for mentoring and job shadowing and have allowed students to form a connection between classroom and industry.”

Many of those shops also participate on Thomas Edison CTE’s advisory board. The school’s “advisory board consists of industry professionals who critique our program and make suggestions for improvements. Students can job shadow, and they work internships at these shops which serves as a valuable resource on its own,” Roopnarine shared.

Being a recipient of the Foundation’s 2014 also provided additional networking opportunities for Roopnarine. “Getting involved with the Foundation not only allowed me to form great partnerships with industry members but also with instructors from across the country, through a Facebook group where we can share ideas, ask for help and communicate with others,” he said.

Roopnarine lauds the Foundation’s efforts to support collision schools and students. “I never thought Thomas Edison CTE would win the Foundation’s 2014 grant, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity given to my program by all those involved in the decision to award our school the grant. The Collision Repair Education Foundation only has a small staff, but they show personalized attention to the instructors they work with. The people behind the scenes are as amazing as the Foundation’s mission.”

“The lasting impact of winning this grant has been creating a gateway between the industry and the classroom,” Roopnarine added. “The media coverage we received for winning the 2014 Makeover Grant helped promote the vocational trades, and it also promoted the importance of industry support. It has set a momentum for the program that has kept going strong to this day!”

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 should contact Brandon Eckenrode Managing Director, at 312-231-0258 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation, visit www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org.

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Collision Students Receive Nearly $150,000 in 2022 Scholarships and Tool Grants Through Generous Industry Support Facilitated by CREF

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 30, 2022) –

The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is proud to announce the 52 recipients of its 2022 Scholarships and Tool Grants, funded through the generosity of a multitude of industry partners – both small and large.  (Alex Cazanas, shown below)

With the industry’s support, CREF funded nearly $150,000 in 2022 scholarships and tool grants as part of its ongoing efforts to support future collision repair industry professionals as they obtain their educations.

The recipients of the 2022 Tim Clark Memorial Scholarships include:

Eight exemplary students were chosen as the inaugural recipients of the Adelmann Family Scholarships, each receiving up to $10,000 toward tuition and/or education loans. “Supporting collision students is important for our entire industry,” recently retired industry veteran Tim Adelmann stated. “My family and I contacted CREF to start the Adelmann Family Scholarship because we felt it was time to step up and DO something to help support some of the best and brightest future repair technicians. As an industry, we need to do more to address the technician shortage, and with CREF’s assist, this seemed like a great way to help young people navigate through their training period and then place them in good-paying jobs.”

“CREF is honored to recognize these outstanding students through the 2022 scholarships and tool grants,” said Melissa Marscin, Director of Operations and Administration for CREF. “These students are truly committed to pursuing their education and in becoming part of the collision industry, and we hope these awards help to contribute to their successful careers.”

The recipients of the 2022 Adelmann Family Scholarships include:

  • Davindra Cheddie (NYADI – Jamaica, NY)
  • Gerardo Rojas (Fox Valley Technical College – Appleton, WI)
  • Jawuan Alexander (UTI – Houston, TX)
  • Emelie Horsens (Northeast Wisconsin Technical College – Green Bay, WI)
  • Tate Ahlberg (Hawkeye Community College – Waterloo, IA)
  • Alyssa Patton (NYADI – Jamaica, NY)
  • Maverick Jaycox (South Central College – North Mankato, MN)
  • Cesar Batista (NYADI – Jamaica, NY)

Service King awarded two annual Service King Way Grant: In Honor of Mario Malacara Scholarships, established in 2017 in memory of an admired member of the Service King family, who dedicated his life to improving the collision industry through mentorship and legislative efforts. “The Mario Malacara Scholarship memorializes his commitment to our company and our industry,” said Service King CHRO Sean Huurman. “We are honored to continue Mario’s legacy through this scholarship. In keeping with our core value of service, a value Mario lived daily, we are confident we can have a real and meaningful impact on future generations entering the collision repair business.”

Two $3,000 Service King Way Grants: In Honor of Mario Malacara were awarded to:

  • Alex Cazanas (Collin County Community College – Allen, TX)
  • Alan Tovias (Universal Technical Institute – Houston, TX)

Two deserving students won 2022 CCC Michael Salvatore Repair Technician Scholarships. In place since 2006, CCC awards scholarships to students currently enrolled in post-secondary collision repair programs who have demonstrated superior academic achievement. The recipients of CCC’s 2022 student scholarship program each received a $3,000 scholarship. Recipients include:

  • Kelvin Mason (Kennedy-King College – Chicago, IL)
  • Christopher Avelino (Kennedy-King College – Chicago, IL)

“Congratulations to this year’s recipients for their hard work and commitment to excellence in collision repair,” said Andreas Hecht, senior vice president, OEM and new ventures for CCC. “Ongoing education and training are critical as the industry works to keep pace with increasingly complex vehicles. Advanced technologies have become a central part of the collision repair industry and are essential to delivering thorough, timely, and consistent repair outcomes. CCC is proud to support the next generation of collision repairers as they work to prepare for a rewarding career in the automotive industry.”

The Atlanta I-CAR Committee wants to ensure that students are financially able to pursue their collision careers, so they recently awarded scholarships to two Maxwell High School students through CREF. Two students will each receive $3,000 scholarships to use toward tuition, books and tools as they further their educational pursuits. 

  • Marinelly Santiago
  • Abale Haylay 

“This is an amazing industry, but we have to attract more young people,” Atlanta I-CAR Committee Chair Gerry Poirier insists. “Learning to fix cars can open so many doors to a great career, so we do what we can to get good people interested, educated and employed. CREF is doing a great job raising awareness with efforts like Operative Talent, but they can’t do it without our help. Industry professionals need to support CREF because you’re busy and can’t do it all – and that’s exactly why you need to support the Foundation!” 

Six military veterans received support in pursuing their collision careers, thanks to the generosity of 3M, in collaboration with CREF. Four students received 3M tool kits, valued at $3,000 each, and two deserving students were awarded with $2,500 Hire Our Heroes Family Scholarships to financially aid their educational pursuits. 

The 2022 recipients of 3M and the Foundation’s Hire Our Heroes tool kits are:

  • Jose Vasquez III (Universal Technical Institute – Houston, TX)
  • Margaret Nicholson- shown to the right  (Universal Technical Institute – Houston, TX)
  • Vanessa Garcia (Universal Technical Institute – Houston, TX)
  • Wendell Harris (Universal Technical Institute – Houston, TX)

The recipients of 3M’s 2022 Hire Our Heroes Family Scholarships are:

  • Grover Anderson (New York Automotive & Diesel Institute, Jamaica, NY)
  • Jeremy Gattis (Guilford Tech Community College, Greensboro, NC)

Driven Brands also continued its partnership with CREF to again award Tim Clark Memorial Scholarships to two deserving collision repair students. “The collision repair industry is bursting with opportunity, and through programs like this, we can introduce new students to the field and help them start their journey on the right foot,” said Dean Fisher, collision president, Driven Brands. “We are grateful for the support the Collision Repair Education Foundation provides in making these scholarships possible. We are excited about the potential we are seeing in the recipients of the Tim Clark Memorial Scholarship, and we look forward to watching them continue to thrive.”

  • David Thomas (Warren Tech – Lakewood, CO)
  • Hector Gomez (Kennedy-King College – Chicago, IL)

Seven collision students with a special interest in the painting segment of the industry received scholarships funded by the PPG Foundation through CREF. PPG’s 2022 awards included six $4,500 scholarships in addition to a $1,000 PPG MVP scholarship, all designed to help recipients fund their education and ensure they have the opportunity to pursue a future career in the collision repair industry.

Recipients of PPG’s 2022 student scholarships for $4,500 include:

  • Jarrod Johnson (Rosedale Technical College – Pittsburgh, PA)
  • Sam Paukovics (Rosedale Technical College – Pittsburgh, PA)
  • Sierra Marriner (Rosedale Technical College – Pittsburgh, PA)
  • Txiab Khang (Dunwoody College – Minneapolis, MN)
  • Drake Booth (Guilford Technical Community College – Greensboro, NC)
  • Luis Del Real (Washburn Institute of Technology – Topeka, KS)

The recipient of the $1,000 PPG MVP scholarship was:

  • Joseph Aubin- shown to the left  (Sandhills Community College – Pinehurst, NC)

“The 2022 student scholarships aim to support the recipients as they study and explore the robust career paths within the collision repair and paint industries,” said Malesia Dunn, executive director, PPG Foundation and corporate global social responsibility. “In partnership with the Collision Repair Education, we prioritize workforce development and helping to educate students with hands-on, practical education and skills that lead to career placement.”

Two students will receive $2,000 Collision Repair Education Foundation Board of Trustees Scholarships, which are funded by current members of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees to provide students with financial assistance to be used towards tuition and other costs associated with their education in collision repair. This year’s recipients include:

  • Lathen Worman (Area 30 Career Center – Greencastle, IN)
  • Cara Wick (Minnesota State College Southeast – Winona, MN)

Administered by the Foundation, the Sulkala Family Scholarship was created to honor the 50-year career and legacy of Chuck Sulkala, founder and executive director of the National Auto Body Council (NABC), who retired in 2018. The 2022 Sulkala Family Scholarships, valued at $1,000 each, were awarded to:

  • Viosan Myrtaj (South Technical High School – Saint Louis, MO)
  • Lauren Lewis (Guilford Technical Community College – Greensboro, NC)

Created to honor Lon Baudoux, I-CAR Development Manager who passed away in 2008, the Lon Baudoux Memorial Scholarship is funded primarily by I-CAR staff and instructors who worked with Baudoux, in recognition of the importance he placed on secondary and post-secondary collision repair students receiving a proper education. The two students who received a $2,000 Lon Baudoux Memorial Scholarship in 2022 are:

  • Brenda Bravo (Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center – Reading, PA)
  • Errol Ross (College of Transportation Technology – Queens, NY)

In 2021, author Rachael Alfonso collaborated with CREF to establish a fund to support female collision students during the 2021-2022 school year through the sale of her book, What Cars Say. Through this collaboration, a $500 scholarship was awarded to Quin Madsen (Technical College High School – Downingtown, PA) through CREF’s What Cars Say collaboration.

Additionally, 11 deserving students received $500 What Cars Say tool grants for use purchasing student uniforms, female spray suits, tools and equipment. The recipients include:

  • Brenda Bravo (Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center – Reading, PA)
  • Wynter Harris- (Kennedy-King College – Chicago, IL)
  • Emelie Horsens (Northeast Wisconsin Technical College – Green Bay, WI)
  • Lauren Lewis (Guilford Technical Community College – Greensboro, NC)
  • Sierra Marriner (Rosedale Technical College – Pittsburgh, PA)
  • Alyssa Patton (New York Automotive and Diesel Institute – Jamaica, NY)
  • Sam Paukovics (Rosedale Technical College – Pittsburgh, PA)
  • Yamila Saldana (Diamond Oaks Career Campus – Cincinnati, OH)
  • Marinelly Santiago (Maxwell High School of Technology – Lawrenceville, GA)
  • Princess Sturdivant (Guilford Technical Community College – Jamestown, NC)
  • Cara Wick (Minnesota State College Southeast – Winona, MN)

Six students also received SataJet 5000 spray guns through CREF’s Tool Grants. This year’s recipients include:

  • Cylus Trejo (College of Southern Idaho – Twin Falls, ID)
  • Henry Huynh (Warren Tech – Lakewood, CO)
  • Lauren Clear (Aims Automotive Technology Center – Windsor, CO)
  • Ivan Marquez (Warren Tech – Lakewood, CO)
  • Erik Palafox (Kennedy-King College – Chicago, IL)
  • Tyler Reavis (Wilkes Community College – Wilkesboro, NC)

Lastly, two outstanding students will benefit from JW Bagley Foundation Scholarships, a non-industry entity that supports CREF’s mission and provided $4,000 toward each student’s education costs. The lucky recipients of these scholarships were:

  • Mohammad Farhaan Ismail (New York Automotive and Diesel Institute – Jamaica, NY)
  • Wynter Harris (Kennedy-King College – Chicago, IL)

Secondary and post-secondary collision repair education students were eligible for these awards, which provide students with financial support to enable them to continue their education and prepare them for a successful career in body shops around the country.

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 should contact Brandon Eckenrode, Managing Director, at 312-231-0258 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org. 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, please email info@ed-foundation.org.

By

Two Students Receive $3,000 Mario Malacara Scholarships Through Service King and Collision Repair Education Foundation

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 30, 2022) –

Service King contributed $6,000 to the collision industry’s future by awarding two annual Service King Way Grant: In Honor of Mario Malacara Scholarships. Established in 2017, the Service King Way Grant honors the memory of Mario Malacara, an admired member of the Service King family, who dedicated his life to improving the collision industry through mentorship and legislative efforts. His legacy lives on through the grant, allowing him to continue inspiring the next generation of collision repair professionals.

“The Mario Malacara Scholarship memorializes his commitment to our company and our industry,” said Service King CHRO Sean Huurman. “We are honored to continue Mario’s legacy through this scholarship. In keeping with our core value of service, a value Mario lived daily, we are confident we can have a real and meaningful impact on future generations entering the collision repair business.”

Two $3,000 Service King Way Grants: In Honor of Mario Malacara were awarded to:

  • Alex Cazanas: shown to the left (Collin County Community College – Allen, TX)
  • Alan Tovias (Universal Technical Institute – Houston, TX)

Secondary and post-secondary collision repair education students were eligible for these awards, which provide students with financial support to enable them to continue their education and prepare them for a successful career in body shops around the country.

Service King has supported the efforts of the Collision Repair Education Foundation since 1994. For additional information about Service King, visit www.serviceking.com.

Including these awards, the industry’s generosity has allowed CREF to fund nearly $150,000 in 2022 scholarships and tool grants as part of its ongoing efforts to support future collision repair industry professionals as they obtain their educations.

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 should contact Brandon Eckenrode, Managing Director, at 312-231-0258 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org. 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, please email info@ed-foundation.org.

By

Collision Repair Education Foundation Awards Students with Nearly $150,000 in 2022 Scholarships and Tool Grants Through Generous Industry Support

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 30, 2022) –

The Collision Repair Education Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2022 Board of Trustees Scholarships, Lon Baudoux Memorial Scholarships, Sulkala Family Scholarships, What Cars Say Book Grants and CREF Tool Grants, as well as JW Bagley Foundation Scholarship. Including these awards, the industry’s generosity has allowed CREF to fund nearly $150,000 in 2022 scholarships and tool grants as part of its ongoing efforts to support future collision repair industry professionals as they obtain their educations.

“CREF is honored to recognize these outstanding students through the 2022 scholarships 

and tool grants,” said Melissa Marscin, Director of Operations and Administration for CREF. “These students are truly committed to pursuing their education and in becoming part of the collision industry, and we hope these awards help to contribute to their successful careers.”

Two students will receive $2,000 Collision Repair Education Foundation Board of Trustees Scholarships:

  • Lathen Worman- shown to the left (Area 30 Career Center – Greencastle, IN)
  • Cara Wick-  (Minnesota State College Southeast – Winona, MN)

Funded by current members of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, this scholarship provides students with financial assistance to be used towards tuition and other costs associated with their education in collision repair.

The Sulkala Family Scholarships, valued at $1,000 each, were awarded to:

  • Viosan Myrtaj (South Technical High School – Saint Louis, MO)
  • Lauren Lewis (Guilford Technical Community College – Greensboro, NC)

Administered by the Foundation, the Sulkala Family Scholarship was created to honor the 50-year career and legacy of Chuck Sulkala, founder and executive director of the National Auto Body Council (NABC), who retired in 2018.

The two students will each receive a $2,000 Lon Baudoux Memorial Scholarship are:

  • Brenda Bravo- shown below (Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center – Reading, PA)
  • Errol Ross (College of Transportation Technology – Queens, NY)

Created to honor Lon Baudoux, I-CAR Development Manager who passed away in 2008, the Lon Baudoux Memorial Scholarship is funded primarily by I-CAR staff and instructors who worked with Baudoux, in recognition of the importance he placed on secondary and post-secondary collision repair students receiving a proper education. Scholarship funds are designed to help students finance their education. Recipients are selected based on academic excellence, as well as participation in outside activities, such as sports, clubs, and volunteer work.

A $500 scholarship was awarded to Quin Madsen (Technical College High School – Downingtown, PA) through CREF’s What Cars Say collaboration. Additionally, the following 11 students received What Cars Say tool grants, valued at $500 each:

  • Brenda Bravo- (Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center – Reading, PA)
  • Wynter Harris (Kennedy-King College – Chicago, IL)
  • Emelie Horsens (Northeast Wisconsin Technical College – Green Bay, WI)
  • Lauren Lewis (Guilford Technical Community College – Greensboro, NC)
  • Sierra Marriner (Rosedale Technical College – Pittsburgh, PA)
  • Alyssa Patton (New York Automotive and Diesel Institute – Jamaica, NY)
  • Sam Paukovics (Rosedale Technical College – Pittsburgh, PA)
  • Yamila Saldana (Diamond Oaks Career Campus – Cincinnati, OH)
  • Marinelly Santiago (Maxwell High School of Technology – Lawrenceville, GA)
  • Princess Sturdivant (Guilford Technical Community College – Jamestown, NC)
  • Cara Wick (Minnesota State College Southeast – Winona, MN)

 

Funds for these grants through the sale of What Cars Say, written by Rachael Alfonso, who collaborated with CREF in 2021 to establish a fund to support female collision students during the 2021-2022 school year. The young women who received the tool grants may use funds to purchase student uniforms, female spray suits, tools and equipment.

Additionally, six students will receive SataJet 5000 spray guns through CREF’s Tool Grants. This year’s recipients include:

  • Cylus Trejo (College of Southern Idaho – Twin Falls, ID)
  • Henry Huynh (Warren Tech – Lakewood, CO)
  • Lauren Clear (Aims Automotive Technology Center – Windsor, CO)
  • Ivan Marquez (Warren Tech – Lakewood, CO)
  • Erik Palafox (Kennedy-King College – Chicago, IL)
  • Tyler Reavis (Wilkes Community College – Wilkesboro, NC)

 

Lastly, two outstanding students will benefit from JW Bagley Foundation Scholarships, a non-industry entity that supports CREF’s mission and provided $4,000 toward each student’s education costs. The lucky recipients of these scholarships were:

  • Mohammad Farhaan Ismail (New York Automotive and Diesel Institute – Jamaica, NY)
  • Wynter Harris (Kennedy-King College – Chicago, IL)

Secondary and post-secondary collision repair education students were eligible for these awards, which provide students with financial support to enable them to continue their education and prepare them for a successful career in body shops around the country.

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 should contact Brandon Eckenrode, Managing Director, at 312-231-0258 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org. 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, please email info@ed-foundation.org

By

Scholarships Awarded to Seven Students Through PPG Foundation and Collision Repair Education Foundation

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 30, 2022) –

Seven collision students with a special interest in the painting segment of the industry will receive scholarships funded by the PPG Foundation through the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF). This year’s awards include six $4,500 scholarships in addition to a $1,000 MVP scholarship, provided by PPG, a global manufacturer of paints, coatings and specialty materials. The scholarships are designed to help recipients fund their education and ensure they have the opportunity to pursue a future career in the collision repair industry.

Recipients of PPG’s 2022 student scholarships for $4,500 include:

  • Jarrod Johnson (Rosedale Technical College – Pittsburgh, PA)
  • Sam Paukovics (Rosedale Technical College – Pittsburgh, PA)
  • Sierra Marriner (Rosedale Technical College – Pittsburgh, PA)
  • Txiab Khang (Dunwoody College – Minneapolis, MN)
  • Drake Booth (Guilford Technical Community College – Greensboro, NC)
  • Luis Del Real (Washburn Institute of Technology – Topeka, KS)

The recipient of the $1,000 PPG MVP scholarship was:

  • Joseph Aubin- shown below (Sandhills Community College – Pinehurst, NC)

“The 2022 student scholarships aim to support the recipients as they study and explore the robust career paths within the collision repair and paint industries,” said Malesia Dunn, executive director, PPG Foundation and corporate global social responsibility. “In partnership with the Collision Repair Education, we prioritize workforce development and helping to educate students with hands-on, practical education and skills that lead to career placement.”

Post-secondary collision repair education students were eligible for this award, which provides financial support to help students continue their education and prepare for a successful career in body shops around the country. Including these awards, the industry’s generosity has allowed CREF to fund nearly $150,000 in 2022 scholarships and tool grants as part of its ongoing efforts to support future collision repair industry professionals as they obtain their educations.

PPG and the PPG Foundation have been proud supporters of the Foundation since 2011. For additional information, visit ppg.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 should contact Brandon Eckenrode, Managing Director, at 312-231-0258 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org. 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, please email info@ed-foundation.org.