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 …
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 …
IAA Increases Support of Collision Repair Education Foundation to $100,000 in 2026 Read More »
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 …
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 …
There are students walking into collision repair classrooms every single day with passion, curiosity, creativity, and the desire to build a meaningful future for themselves. Across the industry, instructors, mentors, schools, and industry professionals continue working hard to create opportunities that help students discover rewarding careers filled with growth, technology, craftsmanship, and purpose. What makes …
The Future of Collision Repair Programs Depends on the Road We Choose Read More »
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 …
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 …
What Students Should Know Before Entering a Collision Repair Program Read More »
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 …
How Industry Support Directly Impacts Collision Repair Education Read More »
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: …
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (March 2026) – As the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) prepares to kick off its Spring 2026 High School and College Transportation Student Career Fair circuit, local industry leaders are speaking out on the transformative power of school involvement. Dean Benner, Director of Operations for 3D Collision Centers in Pennsylvania, is challenging …
Highlighting Collision Career Diversity: CREF’s 2026 Spring Career Fairs Read More »
