For the fourth consecutive year, the I-CAR Education Foundation, in conjunction with Akzo Nobel Coatings, Inc. and "The Most Influential Women of the Collision Repair Industry" is presenting an exciting scholarship opportunity for female collision repair students at career and technical schools or colleges. 

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, Akzo Nobel 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 that have dedicated themselves to the betterment of this industry and their communities.

On behalf of "The Most Influential Women of the Collision Repair Industry," Akzo Nobel has chosen to donate funds to the I-CAR Education Foundation for scholarships so that additional opportunities might be created for women in the collision repair industry. Applicants for the scholarships that are attending a secondary school must be a senior in a collision repair training class with plans to continue their 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 be paid for post-secondary education or to attend training programs offered by I-CAR.

This year there will be two $5,000 winners - one from a secondary school and one from a post-secondary school. In addition, there will be six $2,000 runner-up scholarships. The I-CAR Education Foundation will announce the winners at NACE this November. The I-CAR Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of entry-level employees for the collision industry.

A total of 294 career and technical schools and colleges that are ASE-certified to the NATEF standards received a letter and student applications for this scholarship. Both the student applicants and instructors will submit an application and a short essay explaining why the students should be awarded the scholarship.

I-CAR Education Foundation Executive Director Ron Ray added "It is a pleasure to administer this scholarship program for Akzo Nobel and reward these talented, future female collision industry employees."