Collision Repair Education Foundation Invites Collision School Programs to Apply for Makeover Grants

CREF Invites Collision School Programs to Apply for Makeover Grants

The Collision Repair Education Foundation announced that the application for their Ultimate Collision Education Makeover school grant is available for collision school programs.

The Collision Repair Education Foundation announced that the application for their Ultimate Collision Education Makeover school grant is available for high school and postsecondary collision school programs. Now in its ninth year, the Makeover grant program provides awards of up to $50,000.

The foundation recommends that instructors begin the application process early, and encourages industry professionals to get involved with the Makeover grant by working with their local schools’ collision instructors to help them apply. The foundation will announce the winning schools during the SEMA show in Las Vegas in October.

The Makeover grant application is available online and is due by June 1. Industry members are encouraged to work with their local collision school programs to ensure that they apply by the deadline.

“School collision programs are facing tremendous budgetary pressure,” said Melissa Marscin, director of grant programs for the Collision Repair Education Foundation. “It is difficult for many to maintain their program at current capabilities, no less increase their abilities and improve the training they deliver to the industry’s future workforce. The Makeover grant program is designed to help collision schools get the much-needed tools, equipment and supplies they couldn’t get otherwise and increase their capabilities. Last year, every school that applied received some level of support through both grants and in-kind donations.”

Schools Classified into Three Tiers

The Makeover grant program incorporates the Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark that the foundation launched last year. Under the new program developed by the foundation, schools are classified into three tiers:

  • Tier 1: Advanced
  • Tier 2: Proficient
  • Tier 3: Developing

The foundation will determine the designation based upon information provided by schools about the capabilities of their program detailed in the Collision Repair Education Makeover grant application. The criteria for each level includes the number of hours of instruction, curriculum in place, along with what tools, equipment and supplies a school uses to prepare their students for employment in the collision industry.

If there is something that a school needs to advance to the next level, the foundation’s grant application will allow a school to request that  item. The goal is to help every school acquire the resources to eventually achieve a Tier 1: Advanced school designation. Schools at Tier 1 status can request support for items that further advance their programs.

The organization’s Board of Trustees Selection Committee will select the winners of the awards and determine what items off the wish lists each school will receive.

Since 2009, the foundation has doled out more than $4 million in cash and in-kind donations to schools through the grant, helping more than 25,000 collision students.

To get involved with the Collision Repair Education Foundation and join its efforts to support the future of the collision industry, contact Foundation Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode at (847) 463-5244 or [email protected].

You May Also Like

NABC Donates Recycled Ride to Deserving Las Vegas Family

The NABC, GEICO and Caliber Collision recently donated a refurbished 2019 Toyota Camry to a Las Vegas resident and his adopted family.

The National Auto Body Council NABC), along with GEICO and Caliber Collision, recently donated a refurbished 2019 Toyota Camry to a Las Vegas resident and his adopted family during the pre-race festivities of the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The donation was made via the NABC's Recycled Rides program.

Dent Wizard Hires New Senior VP of Strategic Growth & Development

Adrian Gonzalez will be charged with driving growth through mergers and acquisitions.

CCC Report Analyzes Labor Pressures, Vehicle Complexity

Report shows advanced technology is contributing to costlier repairs, higher claims costs and longer cycle times.

Crash Champions Continues Steady Expansion Across Idaho

Crash Champions has announced the acquisition of Hoffman Auto Body in Boise, Idaho.

NABC Donates Recycled Ride to Tucson, Ariz. Family

The NABC, Allstate, Maaco and  Meineke Car Care recently donated a refurbished vehicle to a deserving Tucson, Ariz.-area mom.

Other Posts

ASE Practice Tests Available Online

ASE is encouraging those pursuing certification to take the official practice tests as part of their test preparation process.

Corby’s Collision Center: Since 1942

Bentley (Bud) and Evelyn Corby started Corby’s in a little gas station in Honeoye Falls, N.Y.

CIF Announces Enterprise as Repeat Annual Donor

Enterprise has donated for the fourth consecutive time at the Urgent Care (second highest) tier.

NABC Donates Recycled Ride to Central Georgia Mom

The NAB), GEICO and Five Star Collision Center-Wimbish recently donated a refurbished vehicle to a deserving mother of four.