I-CAR Ed. Foundation Offers $50,000 Ultimate Collision Education Makeover Grant - BodyShop Business

I-CAR Ed. Foundation Offers $50,000 Ultimate Collision Education Makeover Grant

The I-CAR Education Foundation is once again offering “The Ultimate Collision Education Makeover” grant, which will award one school with a $50,000 grant to overhaul its collision repair program. The winning collision repair program will be able to use this $50,000 grant to purchase equipment, curriculum, instructor training and supplies. The I-CAR Education Foundation will also work together with industry partners who will provide in-kind product donations to the winning and non-winning schools.

This is the second year for this grant program, which debuted in 2009. The 2009 winning school was Steel Center AVTS in Jefferson Hills, Pa. In addition to Steel Center AVTS benefiting as the winner of this grant, the applications of the non-winning schools provided information on their specific needs, and, through the generosity of industry partners, the foundation has arranged for over $130,000 in product, equipment and tool donations for these schools.

This grant is open to collision repair schools across North America. Applications are currently available at www.ed-foundation.org, and need to be postmarked by Sept. 7, 2010. The winning school will be announced in November.

The goal of the Ultimate Collision Education Makeover program is to honor a school that has been doing an outstanding job in educating students in collision repair, but is in need of financial assistance to improve its program’s teaching materials and equipment. The I-CAR Education Foundation is looking to eliminate any financial barriers for the school to create the best collision program possible, thereby making a difference in the lives of the students studying collision repair.  

“It’s common these days to see that schools are being shut down or programs reduced due to a lack in funding,” said Scott Kruger, I-CAR Education Foundation executive director. “The I-CAR Education Foundation is combating this trend and helping future generations of our industry by again offering the Ultimate Collision Education Makeover program. We offered our first Makeover grant in 2009, and it was greatly received by not only the schools but also the industry, as businesses have donated over $130,000 in tools, equipment and supplies to both the winning and non-winning schools.”

Kruger continues, “Industry members who care about their local school’s collision program can assist the I-CAR Education Foundation by getting in contact with their local schools and working with them to apply for this grant. The Education Foundation invites and challenges the industry to increase their level of participation with these schools that are preparing students for a career in the collision industry. This investment in the industry future will result in a better educational experience for the students and, in turn, lead to more efficient and productive industry members.”

This grant opportunity, as well as the other scholarships and grants offered by the I-CAR Education Foundation, are funded by the Collision Repair Education Campaign, which is hosted by the I-CAR Education Foundation. The funds for the Collision Repair Education Campaign are provided through donations from all collision industry segments.


More information:

• Download a grant application
 
• If your business would be interested in donating equipment and/or supplies to the winning school, contact the Education Foundation at (888) 722-3787, ext. 282.

You May Also Like

Body Bangin’: The Disengagement Epidemic with Kevin Wolfe

Micki Woods interviews Leaders Way Owner Kevin Wolfe on why 73% of work professionals are disengaged today and what we can do about it.

Micki Woods, master marketer for collision repair shops and owner of Micki Woods Marketing, has released the latest episode of "Body Bangin'," the video podcast that is taking the industry by storm!

In this episode, Woods interviews Kevin Wolfe, owner of Leaders Way and former mechanical shop owner, on how he became the shop everyone wanted to work at. Wolfe also points out that 73% of work professionals today are disengaged — an all-time high — and discusses why that is and how we can fix that.

Body Bangin’: I Thought We Were Doing It Right with Josh Piccione

Micki Woods interviews Josh Piccione on repairing vehicles correctly — according to manufacturer guidelines.

Body Bangin’: Be a Star Not a Hamster with Robert Snook

Micki Woods interviews popular keynote speaker Robert Snook on how to differentiate and grow your business.

Body Bangin’: Know Me, Know My Car with Mike Anderson

Micki Woods interviews Mike Anderson on the importance of building an emotional connection with your customers.

Body Bangin’: Fighting for Consumer Safety with Burl Richards

Micki Woods interviews Burl Richards on his personal mission to fight for consumers’ rights and safety.

Other Posts

Body Bangin’: The Employer-Student Disconnect

Micki Woods interviews Raven Hartkopf, lead collision instructor at Collin College in Texas, on what students want from a shop employer.

Body Bangin’: Why Follow OEM Repair Procedures?

Micki Woods interviews Logan Payne of Payne & Sons Paint & Body Shop on the importance of following OEM repair procedures.

Body Bangin’: Getting Paid for Calibrations

Micki Woods interviews Andy Hipwell and James Rodis of OEM Calibration on how to get started doing ADAS calibrations.

Body Bangin’: What Are The Consolidators Up To With Laura Gay

Micki Woods interviews Laura Gay of Consolidation Coach on the current state of auto body shop consolidation.