Collision Repair Education Foundation

10/13/2026

Meet Jason Russell, former shop owner and current collision repair instructor at Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Jackson!

Jason brings years of shop management experience to life in his instruction at TCAT Jackson. Over the past five years, he's found teaching to be more rewarding than any work he'd done before as he helps students reach their potential and create fulfilling futures. Jason focuses on identifying how each student learns best and teaching them accordingly.

10/09/2026

New vehicle technology means new repair workflows ⚙️

For students who enjoy technology, like solving problems, and want to work with their hands, collision repair could be the STEM career path they’ve been looking for.

🔗 New on the blog: https://loom.ly/gUc5X7Y

Discover how collision repair combines science, technology, engineering and math, and explore the opportunities available in this hands-on STEM career.

10/07/2026

It's always special to see how the students we support grow over time!

Scotty George received a scholarship back in 2017 that allowed him to take additional classes and finish his four-year degree. Nine years later, that additional education has helped him move into a managerial role in his shop.

"That final year of school helped prepare me for this role and I don't know that I'd have even been considered for it without finishing those courses that CREF helped make possible for me."

10/02/2026

336 students, 12 schools, 20 employers, and one great day of career connections at last week’s Auto Collision Experience in Ohio!

Students had the opportunity to learn, explore career opportunities, and connect with 20 onsite employers. Thank you to every organization that sponsored ACE Ohio and especially to the small group of volunteers who made the event such a success!

09/28/2026

Join CREF at SEMA! 📆

CREF will be hosting our annual Benchmark Awards Breakfast on Wednesday, November 4 at SEMA! During this event, we celebrate the recipients of Benchmark Awards, select the winner of Art Meets Automotive, and honor the second annual Jeff Wilson Award for Selfless Education Award winner.

🔗 Full details and registration: https://loom.ly/yk9G8AI

INDUSTRY EVENTS Stay informed on upcoming events in THE COLLISION REPAIR community

09/22/2026

Last call for Board applicants!

Thursday is the final day to apply to serve on the CREF Board of Trustees. Applicants representing collision repair organizations, OEMs, insurance providers, educational programs, and related industry services should submit applications via email to [email protected] by September 24.

Download the application: https://loom.ly/3C_Oils

The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is now accepting applications to join the Board of Trustees. CREF is seeking board representation from each

09/16/2026

Faced with a district spending freeze, Career Academy and Technical School in Troutman, NC was unable to purchase vital equipment to train on.

Through the Benchmark Award program, they received a glue pull repair station, helping give students the hands-on experience they need to prepare for careers and skills competitions!

09/10/2026

There is still time to complete an application to serve on the CREF Board of Trustees and play a role in fueling the future of collision repair alongside other passionate collision industry leaders. Final applications are due Thursday, September 24 via email.

Learn more and download the application: https://loom.ly/apLszBw

09/04/2026

One week left to nominate an instructor for the Second Annual Jeff Wilson Award for Selfless Education!

This award, in memory of the longtime Kingwood Park HS collision repair instructor, honors an instructor who regularly goes above and beyond their responsibilities in support of their students. If you know an instructor like that, consider nominating them before next Friday's deadline!

🔗 https://loom.ly/l91eYOc

From campaigns to creatives, lead generation & more, manage every request, contact or feedback with monday.com forms

09/02/2026

One month left to enter Art Meets Automotive! 🎨

Are you a collision repair student or instructor with a knack for creativity and the skills to bring your creative vision to life? Enter the 2026 Art Meets Automotive challenge, presented by Fuji Spray Auto. Participants are encouraged to use any combination of painting, sculpting, and welding to bring their projects to life.

Entries are due by October 1, so start creating today!

🔗 Students: https://loom.ly/95NG-88
🔗 Instructors: https://loom.ly/VfpINPA