HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- The I-CAR Education Foundation is once again offering “The Ultimate Collision Education Makeover” grant in 2010, which will award one school with a $50,000 grant to overhaul their school’s collision repair program. The winning collision repair program will be able to utilize this $50,000 grant to purchase equipment, curriculum, instructor training and supplies. The I-CAR Education Foundation will also work together with industry partners who will provide in-kind product donations to the winning and non-winning schools.

This is the second year for this grant program. The 2009 winning school was Steel Center AVTS in Jefferson Hills, Pa. In addition to Steel Center AVTS benefiting as the winner of this grant, the applications of the non-winning schools provided information on their specific needs and through the generosity of industry partners, the Foundation has arranged for more than $130,000 in product, equipment, and tool donations for these schools.

This grant is open to collision repair schools across North America. Applications are currently available at www.ed‑foundation.org, and must be postmarked by Sept. 7. The winning school will be announced in November.

The goal of the Ultimate Collision Education Makeover program is to be able to honor a school that has been doing an outstanding job in educating students in collision repair, but is in need of financial assistance to improve their program’s teaching materials and equipment. The I-CAR Education Foundation is looking to eliminate any financial barriers for the school in order to create the best collision program possible, thereby making a difference in the lives of the students studying collision repair.

“It’s common these days to see that schools are being shut down or programs reduced due to a lack in funding,” said Scott Kruger, I-CAR Education Foundation executive director. “The I‑CAR Education Foundation is combating this trend and helping future generations of our industry by again offering the Ultimate Collision Education Makeover program. We offered our first Makeover grant in 2009 and it was greatly received by not only the schools but also the industry, as businesses have donated over $130,000 in tools, equipment, and supplies to both the winning and non-winning schools. ”
 
Kruger added, “Industry members who care about their local school’s collision program can assist the I-CAR Education Foundation by getting in contact with their local schools and working with them to apply for this grant. The Education Foundation invites and challenges the industry to increase their level of participation with these schools that are preparing students for a career in the collision industry. This investment in the industry future will result in a better educational experience for the students and, in turn, lead to more efficient and productive industry members.”

This grant opportunity, as well as the other scholarships and grants offered by the I-CAR Education Foundation, are funded by the Collision Repair Education Campaign, which is hosted by the I-CAR Education Foundation. The funds for the Collision Repair Education Campaign are provided through donations from all collision industry segments.

If your business would be interested in donating equipment and/or supplies to the winning school, please contact the Education Foundation at 888-722-3787, ext. 282.