I-CAR Presents $255,000 Annual Donation to CREF, Marking 18 Consecutive Years of Support for Collision Repair Education Foundation
April 21, 2026
Cumulative giving surpasses $2.3 million as I-CAR remains committed to building the next generation of collision repair talent
HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL, April 21, 2026 - I-CAR®, the collision repair industry's leader in technical educational programming, related technical services and industry talent solutions, has presented its 2026 annual donation of $255,000 to the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF). This contribution marks I-CAR's 18th consecutive year of support for the foundation and brings its cumulative giving to more than $2.3 million, a testament to a partnership built on a shared belief that a stronger education system produces a stronger industry.
CREF works to strengthen collision repair education programs across the country by connecting schools with the funding, resources and industry support they need to produce work-ready graduates. I-CAR's annual contribution directly fuels that mission, helping CREF expand its reach and deepen its impact at the school level. As a Gold Sponsor of CREF, I-CAR supports programs that give students access to quality education and provide schools with the tools and equipment they need and also provides I-CAR Academy to 42 schools nationwide. Beyond the classroom, the support helps ease the budget pressure many programs face, freeing up school resources to invest in equipment and new technologies that keep their collision programs current and competitive.
"Supporting CREF and the schools and students they serve is a natural extension of everything I-CAR stands for," said I-CAR President and CEO Kyle Thompson. "When we invest in education, we invest in the future of this industry, and after 18 years, that conviction has only gotten stronger."
"As CREF celebrates its 35th anniversary, I-CAR's continued generosity stands out as one of the most consistent and meaningful forces behind what we've been able to accomplish," said CREF Executive Director Brandon Eckenrode. "This isn't just a financial contribution. It's a signal to schools, students, and the broader industry that investing in collision repair education is worth it. We're grateful for a partner that shows up year after year."
I-CAR's roots with CREF run deep. I-CAR was a founding partner of the organization — then known as the I-CAR Education Foundation — when it was established 35 years ago. When CREF transitioned to its current philanthropic model in 2008, I-CAR stepped in as a financial supporter, and has contributed annually ever since, making this its 18th consecutive year of giving.
# # #
About I-CAR
Founded in 1979, I-CAR is a not-for-profit education, knowledge, and solutions organization designed to support the evolving needs of the Collision Repair Inter-Industry. I-CAR, which is accredited by IACET (The International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training) is focused on improving the quality and safety of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of both the industry and the consumer. For more information, please visit www.i-car.com.
About CREF
The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting collision repair educational programs, schools and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation, visit: www.CollisionRepairEducationFoundation.org.