3M has begun the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s “summer drive” for product donations of tools, equipment and supplies through a $1.1 million donation of color match film products to 300 collision school programs. The Education Foundation is seeking industry members’ support in providing in-kind donations to assist high school and college collision repair school instructors who face limited program budgets. These tax-deductible donations will be distributed to collision school programs at the beginning of their fall semester.

“We know that collision program budgets can be limited, and it is important that our future technicians can learn using the latest technology available to better prepare them for entering the workplace,” said Jim Falteisek, U.S. sales and marketing director for 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division. “We are proud to support our technical training schools and an industry that has been so generous to 3M for so many years.”

Collision Repair Education Foundation Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode added, “The goal of the summer is to collect as many in-kind donations from industry companies that will help make ‘back to school’ a great experience for both the collision instructors and the students. By providing the schools with the tools, equipment, and supplies that their program budgets might not be able to afford, we can help work toward the students receiving the best technical education possible and the end goal of them being productive, entry-level employees upon graduation. We thank 3M for their continued support, and this donation has helped showcase to hundreds, if not thousands, of collision students their generosity.”