Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF)
Annual scholarships and tool grants for high school seniors and college students entering or enrolled in collision repair and refinishing programs, with one application considering students for every award they qualify for. CREF reports awarding over $9.1 million in scholarships and grants since 2009. Specialty tracks include the 3M Hire Our Heroes awards for military-connected students; the application closed for 2026 and reopens in January 2027.