CREF’s 2025 School Benchmark Grants and Student Scholarship Applications Open

Collision repair facilities around the country desperately need talented workers to address the ongoing workforce shortage, yet a lack of qualified young professionals are entering the industry for various reasons.

Many schools’ collision programs are underfunded, and post-secondary students seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge often struggle to afford tuition and tools. 

The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) addresses these needs through its Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grants and Student Scholarship awards, thanks to support from many generous industry donors and sponsors. 

In 2024, CREF awarded $536,000 in grants to 80 schools, benefitting over 4,000 students training in these programs this year alone. The Benchmark Grants recognize those programs that excel at educating students but which require additional financial assistance due to constrained school budgets, providing funds to purchase the tools, equipment and supplies necessary to enhance their students’ learning experience and elevate the caliber of their graduates.

The 2024 Student Scholarships benefitted 90 students with over $235,000 awarded in financial assistance to ensure those students were able to continue their education, preparing them to pursue a successful career in body shops around the country. 

Applications for CREF’s 2025 Student Scholarships open on January 8, with a deadline of March 6, 2025. 

Applications for CREF’s 2025 School Benchmark Grants open January 22 through June 27, 2025.

To apply for a Benchmark Grant or Student Scholarship – or to learn more about supporting CREF’s efforts to promote the industry to future generations – visit CollisionRepairEducationFoundation.org.

Want more? Check out the January 2025 issue of Texas Automotive!