HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. – Sterling Autobody Centers has donated $25,000 to the I-CAR Education Foundation to assist four Massachusetts schools. Through Sterling’s donation, each school will receive $5,000 to purchase needed equipment, tools and supplies for their automotive collision programs. Sterling will also contribute $5,000 to the I-CAR Education Foundation’s Collision Repair Education Campaign fund, which allows the Foundation to award its annual grants, scholarships and the recently awarded Ultimate Collision Education Makeover grant.

The four recipient Massachusetts schools include: Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School (Charlton, Mass.), Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School (Fitchburg, Mass.), Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School (Billerica, Mass.), Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School (Northampton, Mass.).

“Sterling is pleased to partner with the I-CAR Education Foundation to support its goal of developing our future technicians,” said Nick Notte, president of Sterling Autobody Centers. “The collision repair industry prides itself on delivering the highest quality repair possible. This is why it is essential for students to have the proper tools, equipment and training curriculum.”

”Upon reading the four Massachusetts schools’ fall 2009 grant application to the I-CAR Education Foundation which identified their automotive collision program needs, Sterling Autobody Centers approached the Foundation in wanting to get involved and help these deserving schools,” said Scott Kruger, I-CAR Education Foundation executive director. “Through these four donations, Sterling Autobody is ensuring that the schools have the appropriate tools, equipment and supplies to educate the students who are the future of our industry. I thank Sterling Autobody Centers and their staff for their donation.”

James Culkeen, superintendent of Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School said, “I am extremely grateful for the generous donation from Sterling. In this time of tight budgets and state cut-backs in funding, this donation will enable us to continue our mission to educate and train the future collision repair technicians of the future. I anticipate that we will use these funds to replace badly worn and antiquated hand and power tools enabling our students to stay current with industry standards. Again, on behalf of the School Committee, administration and our students, thank you.”

David Norkiewicz, director of Vocational Programs at Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School commented, “(Through this grant), the ability for our students to use state-of-the-art and industry-approved equipment strengthens employability skills and enhances their employment prospects.”

David Papagni, superintendent Director of Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School commented, “The Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical School District is grateful to Sterling Collision Centers and the I-CAR Education Foundation for their dedication to training future collision repair technicians. This grant will benefit our students and their employers for years to come by enabling our program to enhance education in troubling economic times.”

Michael Brooks, Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School Auto Body department head said, “I am so pleased and thankful to hear that we are receiving the Sterling award through the I-CAR Education Foundation, and I want to especially thank Sterling Auto Body for helping vocational schools that are struggling to keep up with industry and the new equipment that is needed to repair today's vehicles. Again, thank you!”

Sterling Autobody Centers operates 60 vehicle repair facilities in 16 states, with a Store Support Center in Natick, Massa.

For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation, visit:            www.ed-foundation.org.