STUDENTS & SCHOLARSHIPS
WE ARE COMMITTED TO YOUR FUTURE
Student Scholarship Application
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS ARE now Closed for 2026 AND WILL reopen in january of 2027.
Scholarship application will reopen in:
Tuition is expensive, especially for aspiring collision repair professionals who also need to stock their toolboxes, but the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) wants to help!
Funding is available for high school and college collision students to support their educational endeavors and unlocking a future in collision repair has never been simpler with our straightforward scholarship application process.
Explore our eligibility criteria for more information.
Applicant must meet the following requirements:
High School (must be a senior graduating in spring/summer of the applying year)
– Seniors who plan to attend a college collision program immediately following graduation
– Seniors who plan to graduate and go directly into a job in the collision industry
College
– Current collision students (any year)
– Students interested in going to college for collision (and not currently in high school) beginning in the summer/fall of the applying year
Students will be considered for all scholarships/tool grants that they are eligible for based on the individual eligibility factors of each award. These eligibility factors can include gender, school attendance, year in school, future plans, outside activities, and/or financial need.
3M is offering special opportunities for deserving collision repair students who are currently serving or have recently served in the military. Special awards will also be available for collision repair students that have immediate family members who are currently serving or have recently served in the military.
ELIGIBILITY: Applicant must meet one of the following requirements to apply:
1.) Is a college student who is studying collision repair and is currently serving or has recently served in the military.
2.) A high school senior or a college student who is studying collision repair and has an immediate family member currently serving or has served in the military.
AWARD: Awards will be determined by financial need, future plans, and past academic achievements of the student.
*Please note Veterans are also invited to apply for the full scholarship and tool grants as an additional part of the 3M Hire our Heroes Program.
The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) has partnered up with CREF to administer its scholarship program, aiming at encouraging and empowering women with a passion for the collision repair industry.
If you’re a woman who’s interested in pursuing a career in collision repair, this is the perfect opportunity for you! The WIN scholarship is designed to support your educational journey and provide the financial assistance you need to excel in your studies.
THE COLLISION REPAIR EDUCATION FOUNDATION supported
HOW WE CAN HELP
With collision repair valued at a $199 billion industry, there is no better time than now to consider a career in this field. A collision repair and automotive scholarship through the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) can pave the way for your future, offering opportunities in an industry that rewards hard work, and dedication, and keeps pace with ever-changing technology and innovation.
CREF has been at the forefront of supporting collision repair schools and students across the United States, awarding over $9.1 million in scholarships and grants since 2009. We provide this support by partnering up with industry entities like repair shops, educators, manufacturers, insurers, suppliers, and other supportive businesses and organizations.
INSPIRATION TO DRIVE YOUR FUTURE FORWARD
Josh, Melanie, and Christina transformed their passion for collision repair into remarkable success stories, thanks to the support of scholarships from the Collision Repair Education Foundation. These scholarships didn’t just provide financial assistance—they offered inspiration and encouragement to follow their dreams in the collision repair industry. Could your story be next?
A FAST TRACK TO SUCCESS
Hudson Autoworks Owner/Industry Leader
Back in 2012, Josh’s journey in collision repair took a big leap forward when he earned the CCC Michael Salvatore Memorial Scholarship through the Collision Repair Education Foundation. The scholarship helped him invest in his tuition and tools, setting the foundation for his career. Today, he’s the proud owner and operator of Hudson Autoworks, paving the way as a leader in the industry. Could this be your story too?
UP THROUGH THE RANKS
PPG National Account Specialist
Melanie’s collision repair journey began with the support of the Lon Baudoux Memorial and CCC Michael Salvatore Memorial scholarships. She started as a prepper and painter at Marengo Auto Body and, over the past five years, has thrived in her role as a National Account Specialist at PPG. Her story shows where passion and opportunity can take you!
FROM HARDSHIP & RESILIENCE
to Happily Ever After
Christina overcame a challenging upbringing to discover her passion for collision repair, thanks to the support of mentors and a Tool & ABRA Scholarship. Now a thriving professional at Spark Underwriters, she’s paying it forward through mentorship, committee work, and sharing her expertise with the next generation.
Take the first step toward a bright future in collision repair. Sign up to learn more about a scholarship today and let your passion pave the way for success!