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LATEST ON COLLISION REPAIR EDUCATION FOUNDATION
CREF Announces Open Call for 2026 Board of Trustees Candidates
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (August 25, 2026) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is now…
CREF Welcomes Amanda Valmonte to Board of Trustees
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (August 2026) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is excited to…
Beyond the Shop Floor: CREF Scholarship Recipients Showcase the Industry’s Diverse Career Paths
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (August 2026) – For years, a common misconception has lingered around automotive…
The Difference Between an Auto Body Technician and a Mechanic
If you have ever considered becoming a mechanic, you may be surprised to learn there…
Building Futures: Industry Support Fuels Student Success Through 2026 CREF Scholarships
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (August 2026) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) continues to invest…
Where Creativity Meets Collision Repair: Past Winners Reflect on Impact of Art Meets Automotive Competition
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (July 2026) – Collision repair is often associated with precision measurements, repair…
From 28 Students to 120: Maxwell High School’s Collision Repair Program Becomes a Model for Industry-Education Partnership
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (July 2026) – Fifteen years ago, the collision repair program at Maxwell…
Exploring the Many Career Opportunities in the Collision Repair Industry
When most people think about career opportunities in the collision repair industry, they picture someone…
More Than a Medal: How SkillsUSA, Industry Support and Students’ Drive Are Shaping the Future of Collision Repair
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 2026) – Long after the final bell rings at Thomas A….
IAA Increases Support of Collision Repair Education Foundation to $100,000 in 2026
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 2026) – Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc. (IAA) is deepening its commitment…
Collision Repair Education Foundation Recognizes Industry’s In-Kind Donors for Advancing Hands-On Learning in Collision Classrooms
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 2026) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is proud to…
CREF Welcomes Fuji Spray as First-Ever Sponsor of Art Meets Automotive Competition, Reinforces Commitment to Next-Generation Talent and Classroom Innovation
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 2026) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is proud to…
The Future of Collision Repair Programs Depends on the Road We Choose
There are students walking into collision repair classrooms every single day with passion, curiosity, creativity,…
A Legacy of Gratitude: Industry Connections Drive $727,000 in Benchmark Awards to Support Future Collision Professionals
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (May 2026) – In an industry defined by technical precision, the Collision…
What Students Should Know Before Entering a Collision Repair Program
Thinking about entering a collision repair program? Before deciding on a school, it helps to…
How Industry Support Directly Impacts Collision Repair Education
We often think the future of collision repair begins in the shop. And for some…
Collision Repair Education Foundation Announces 2026 Executive Committee, Emphasizes Need to Strengthen Talent Pipeline
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (March 2026) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is proud to…
Highlighting Collision Career Diversity: CREF’s 2026 Spring Career Fairs
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (March 2026) – As the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) prepares to…
Behind Every Successful Student Is a Great Instructor
One thing we’re constantly reminded of at CREF is that great careers don’t just happen….
CCC, CREF Share Findings from Study on Future Collision Repair Workforce
February 5, 2026 at 8:00 AM EST CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc. (CCC) announced key findings…
“Then, Now and the Future”: CREF Celebrates 35 Years and Looks Forward to the Next 35
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (February 2026) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is excited to…
Inspiring the Future of Collision Repair: CREF’s 2026 Benchmark Award Applications Open!
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (January 2026) – “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn…
Experience and Engagement: Over 1,000 Collision Students Get Hands-On with Current Model Vehicles, Thanks to Ford Donation Through CREF
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (December 18,2025) – Educating the next generation of collision repair professionals is…
Funding for Future Collision Repairers: Applications Open for CREF’s 2026 Student Scholarships
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (January 2026) – The collision repair industry boasts great career opportunities for…
Careers for People Who Like Working with Cars and Solving Problems
Trying to decide what to take in school or what kind of career to pursue…
Championing a Better Future for Collision Students: Crash Champions Proudly Supports CREF’s Vision on Every Level
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (December 2025) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) envisions “a collision…
From Roots to STEM: Instructor Seeks to Improve Perception of Industry, Promotes Career Potential of Collision Engineering
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (December 2025) – When Brian Foster first planted his roots in the…
Networking Tips That Accelerate Collision Repair Career Development
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” In…
Third Time’s a Charm: CREF Scholarship Winner Takes Gold in Refinishing at 2025 SkillsUSA National Competition
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (November 17, 2025) – When it comes to excelling in a complex…
How Collision Repair Students Build Skills That Make an Impact
There is something powerful about watching your work come to life as a collision repair…
Envisioning a Brighter Future: Industry Donates Record $726,500 to Collision Schools and Students via CREF 2025 Benchmark Awards
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (November 12, 2025) – Helen Keller once said, “Alone, we can do…
How Hosting Career Fairs Can Inspire Students and Strengthen School Programs
A step-by-step guide to organizing impactful career events The collision repair industry offers exceptional opportunities…
IAA Honors Former CREF Board Member Don Hermanek with Extra $10,000 Donation to the Collision Repair Education Foundation
Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA) has been a longtime supporter of the Collision Repair Education Foundation…
Putting Tools in Every Student’s Hands: State Farm Lends Support to Collision Schools via CREF
Collision repair students prepare for their future careers in body shops and other industry organizations…
CREF’s Fall 2025 High School & College Transportation Student Career Fairs: A Key to Future Success
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (September 11, 2025) – A strong future workforce is vital to the…
CREF Needs YOUR Help Connecting Tomorrow’s Technicians with Today’s Best Resources!
It’s no secret that collision repair students require resources to learn, but with limited budgets…
Remembering and Honoring Jeff Wilson
In the wake of the 2025 July floods in Texas, the collision repair industry and…
CREF’s 23rd Annual Golf Fundraiser Brings in Over $120,000 “Fore” Collision Schools and Students
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (August 11, 2025) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation’s (CREF) 23rd Annual…
Increasing the Impact: 2025 CREF Student Scholarships and Tool Grants Benefit More Students Than Ever
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (August 11, 2025) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is dedicated…
The Confidence Behind the Craft: How Parents Shape Their Kids’ Success in Skilled Trades
Some of the best skilled trade employees, like, auto body technicians, painters, estimators, and mechanics,…
A Pledge to the Future: Fuji Spray Donation Demonstrates Investment in Young Collision Professionals
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (August 5, 2025) – To be the best, one must be equipped…
One Student, One School, One Industry: CCC Charts the Path to Strengthening the Future Collision Industry
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (July 9, 2025) – Making a difference in the lives of collision…
PPG Renews Support for Collision Repair Education Foundation to Strengthen Industry Talent Pipeline
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 26, 2025) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is excited…
Investing in the Collision Industry’s Future through Industry-School Partnerships
If you walk into a technical trade school on any given day, you’re guaranteed to…
Repair Planning Software Donations Help Students Develop the Skills for a Collision Career – and Showcase Their Talents at SkillsUSA!
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 13, 2025) – Successful collision repair professionals need to know a…
Axalta Partners with CREF to Present Collision Students with a Plethora of Possible Career Paths and Promote Professionalism
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 10, 2025) – Although the collision repair industry offers a multitude…
How to Talk to Your Teen About a Career in the Skilled Trades
Around age 12 or 13, many kids begin exploring ideas about what they might want…
CREF Welcomes Josh Cox to Board of Trustees
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (May 2, 2025) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is excited…
The Best Technology Shouldn’t Be Reserved for Seasoned Painters: DeVilbiss’ Spray Gun Donation Allows Students to Produce a Flawless Finish
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (April 24, 2025) – Educating students in collision repair requires instructors to…
CREF Introduces 2025 Executive Committee and Thanks Departing Members for Service
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (April 9, 2025) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is excited…
Tee Off to Support Collision Repair Schools and Students at CREF’s 2025 Golf Fundraiser!
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (April 9, 2025) – Looking for an opportunity to support a great…