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 both a responsibility and a strategic necessity for the industry’s future. The donation will support CREF’s General Fund, which helps sustain key initiatives including student scholarships, school Benchmark Awards, career fairs, workforce development efforts and student uniform programs.
“We increased our donation because the need has grown,” explains Mark Helvenston, former CREF Board Vice Chair and Vice President at IAA. “Schools are struggling to keep programs open, students need modern equipment, and the industry needs a stronger pipeline of trained technicians. Rallying around CREF is about doing what’s right for the future of collision repair. Increasing our support from $75,000 to $100,000 this year is a direct investment in the people who will keep this industry moving forward.”
IAA has supported CREF for years, recognizing the Foundation’s critical role in strengthening the collision repair talent pipeline and helping schools provide students with the training and resources necessary to succeed in today’s workforce.
“We’ve seen firsthand the impact CREF has on collision repair programs across the country,” Helvenston says. “There are schools trying to educate students using outdated equipment or struggling to keep programs alive due to limited funding. CREF helps bridge those gaps by connecting the industry with the classrooms training our future workforce.”
As a company deeply connected to the collision ecosystem, IAA views supporting CREF as more than philanthropy.
“Every segment of this industry relies on skilled technicians,” Helvenston points out. “Shops need qualified employees, insurers depend on proper and safe repairs, OEMs want technicians trained to repair vehicles correctly, and the entire industry benefits when students are prepared to enter the workforce. Supporting CREF strengthens the entire ecosystem.”
Helvenston adds that one of the most rewarding aspects of supporting CREF is knowing the organization is helping students build meaningful careers. “It’s incredibly rewarding to know IAA is helping young people enter an industry that desperately needs them. These students are building careers, supporting families and becoming the next generation of industry professionals. It feels good to know we’re part of that story.”
IAA is encouraging other industry organizations to rally around collision repair education as technician shortages continue impacting the industry nationwide. “If we want a future where repairs are safe, shops are staffed and customers are confident, then the entire industry needs to step up,” Helvenston said. “Schools cannot do this alone. Supporting organizations like CREF isn’t optional anymore – it’s essential.”
CREF’s mission is to support collision repair educational programs, schools and students in order to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with career opportunities within the industry. Through scholarships, school awards and workforce development initiatives, the Foundation helps ensure the next generation of collision professionals is equipped for success.
Industry members interested in getting involved and supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s efforts to assist high school and college collision repair training programs can Contact Us to learn about the many ways to get involved. Monetary donations can be made online, or sign up for The Donation Exchange to easily provide in-kind resources that collision repair schools and students desperately need.
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The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting collision repair educational programs, schools and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation, visit us online at: www.CollisionRepairEducationFoundation.org.
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If you would like more information about this topic or any of CREF’s initiatives, please email info@ed-foundation.org.
This is outstanding news for collision repair education and the future of our industry! Thank you to IAA for recognizing that investing in students, instructors, and training programs is an investment in the entire collision repair ecosystem. CREF continues to make a tremendous impact in classrooms across the country, and partnerships like this help ensure the next generation of skilled technicians is prepared for successful careers.
On behalf of the UCHS Collision Repair & Refinishing program, thank you for your commitment to supporting collision repair education. We proudly support CREF’s mission and appreciate industry leaders who are helping fuel the future workforce.
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