Collision Repair Education Foundation - Collision Repair Education Foundation

Graphic featuring images of students wearing medals, performing body work, and showing off automotive art with the title "From 28 Students to 120: Maxwell High School’s Collision Repair Program Becomes a Model for Industry-Education Partnership"

From 28 Students to 120: Maxwell High School’s Collision Repair Program Becomes a Model for Industry-Education Partnership

1 Comment / Press Release / By Collision Repair Education Foundation

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (July 2026) – Fifteen years ago, the collision repair program at Maxwell High School of Technology in Lawrenceville, GA served roughly 28 students. Today, enrollment has climbed to approximately 120 students – a transformation fueled by consistent leadership, industry engagement and a long-standing, three-way partnership with the Atlanta I-CAR Committee and the …

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Exploring the Many Career Opportunities in the Collision Repair Industry

Leave a Comment / Automotive Enthusiast, Car Enthusiast, School Instructors, Schools, Students / By Collision Repair Education Foundation

When most people think about career opportunities in the collision repair industry, they picture someone repairing a damaged vehicle after an accident. While that is certainly an important part of the industry, it is only one of many career paths available. Today’s collision repair industry is a dynamic network of professionals, businesses, and technologies working …

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Graphic with image of young man paint prepping and title "More Than a Medal: How SkillsUSA, Industry Support and Students’ Drive Are Shaping the Future of Collision Repair"

More Than a Medal: How SkillsUSA, Industry Support and Students’ Drive Are Shaping the Future of Collision Repair

Leave a Comment / Press Release, Schools, Students / By Collision Repair Education Foundation

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 2026) – Long after the final bell rings at Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School, the collision repair shop is still alive with activity. Students stay late practicing welds, masking panels or refining spray techniques. Some arrive before sunrise to spend extra hours in the paint booth before …

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IAA Increases Support of Collision Repair Education Foundation to $100,000 in 2026

1 Comment / Press Release / By Collision Repair Education Foundation

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 2026) – Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc. (IAA) is deepening its commitment to the future of the collision repair industry by increasing its annual support of the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) from $75,000 to $100,000 in 2026. The increased contribution reinforces IAA’s longstanding belief that investing in collision repair education is …

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Collision Repair Education Foundation Recognizes Industry’s In-Kind Donors for Advancing Hands-On Learning in Collision Classrooms

1 Comment / Press Release / By Collision Repair Education Foundation

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 2026) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is proud to recognize and thank the many industry partners whose in-kind donations continue to shape the future of collision repair education. In 2025 alone, these contributions totaled over $9 million, equipping schools across the country with the tools, technology and resources needed …

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Graphic with spray gun and title of press release: "CREF Welcomes Fuji Spray as First-Ever Sponsor of Art Meets Automotive Competition, Reinforces Commitment to Next-Generation Talent and Classroom Innovation"

CREF Welcomes Fuji Spray as First-Ever Sponsor of Art Meets Automotive Competition, Reinforces Commitment to Next-Generation Talent and Classroom Innovation

Leave a Comment / Press Release / By Collision Repair Education Foundation

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 2026) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is proud to announce the return of its 5th Annual Art Meets Automotive Competition for 2026, introducing an exciting opportunity for both students and instructors to showcase their creativity and craftsmanship. This year’s event also signals a significant milestone in industry support as …

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Graphic featuring title of press release, "A Legacy of Gratitude: Industry Connections Drive $727,000 in Benchmark Awards to Support Future Collision Professionals" and three photos. Photo one shows axes designed by students as trophies, two shows a group of students holding their Benchmark check, and three shows a girl using a simulated sprayer purchased through Benchmark program.

A Legacy of Gratitude: Industry Connections Drive $727,000 in Benchmark Awards to Support Future Collision Professionals

Leave a Comment / Press Release / By Collision Repair Education Foundation

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (May 2026) – In an industry defined by technical precision, the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is highlighting a different kind of strength: the power of human connection and gratitude. Over the past five years (2021-2025), a dedicated network of local I-CAR Volunteer Committees has transformed their passion for the trade into …

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What Students Should Know Before Entering a Collision Repair Program

Leave a Comment / General Blog, Automotive Enthusiast, Car Enthusiast, Students / By Collision Repair Education Foundation

Thinking about entering a collision repair program? Before deciding on a school, it helps to understand what this path really looks like and where it can take you. A career in collision repair is more than learning how to fix vehicles. It is about working with precision, taking responsibility for your work, and building habits …

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How Industry Support Directly Impacts Collision Repair Education

Leave a Comment / General Blog, School Instructors, Schools / By Collision Repair Education Foundation

We often think the future of collision repair begins in the shop. And for some individuals, that may be true. But for many entering the industry today, the journey begins somewhere else entirely. Insights from the recent student survey conducted by the Collision Repair Education Foundation in collaboration with CCC Intelligent Solutions reinforce something instructors …

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Collision Repair Education Foundation Announces 2026 Executive Committee, Emphasizes Need to Strengthen Talent Pipeline

Leave a Comment / Press Release / By Collision Repair Education Foundation

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (March 2026) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is proud to introduce its 2026 Executive Committee. Comprised of seven distinguished industry leaders, the committee will spearhead the Foundation’s mission to support collision repair educational programs and bridge the gap between students and sustainable, high-tech career paths. CREF’s 2026 Executive Committee Includes: …

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Author name: Collision Repair Education Foundation