HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. – For the sixth consecutive year, the I-CAR Education Foundation, in conjunction with AkzoNobel Coatings Inc. and "The Most Influential Women of the Collision Repair Industry," have announced their scholarship program for female collision repair students.

In order to promote both the increasing importance of a skilled and educated workforce as well as recognizing the increasing leadership roles and growing opportunities for women in the industry, AkzoNobel Coatings Inc. has established the "Most Influential Women of the Collision Repair Industry" program. This program annually recognizes the leadership contributions that are made by a unique group of individuals who have dedicated themselves to the betterment of this industry and their communities.

On behalf of "The Most Influential Women of the Collision Repair Industry," AkzoNobel Coatings Inc. has chosen to donate funds to the I-CAR Education Foundation for scholarships to create additional opportunities for women in the collision industry. Applicants for the scholarships who are attending a secondary school must be a senior in a collision repair training class with plans to continue her education in the collision industry after graduation. Applicants from post-secondary schools must be enrolled in training programs relevant to collision repair. The monies will pay for post-secondary education, I-CAR coupons, the I-CAR Welding Qualification Test and/or I-CAR credits (points) through the I-CAR Industry Training Alliance.

This year, there will be two $5,000 winners; one winner from a secondary school and one winner from a post-secondary school. In addition, there will be six $2,500 runner-up scholarships. The Education Foundation will announce the winners at NACE this November.

A total of 339 career and technical schools and colleges that are ASE-certified to the NATEF standards in collision repair and refinishing received a letter and student application for this scholarship. Both the female student applicant and instructor will submit an application in addition to a short essay explaining why the student should be awarded this scholarship.

"We want to thank AkzoNobel for providing this scholarship for the sixth year," said Russell Thrall, interim associate director of the I-CAR Education Foundation. "It is a pleasure to administer this scholarship program for AkzoNobel and reward these talented, future female collision industry employees."

The Executive Committee of the Education Foundation Board of Trustees will make the final selection of winners.