“We are very excited to be able to financially help so many different organizations and programs,” said Diane Rodenhouse, chair of the CIAI Advisory Council. “These grants have a direct impact on the future of the collision repair industry. It was also exciting to see so many schools and teachers who are dedicated to helping their students succeed.”

In Virginia, Rowanty Technical Center was given money to complete a state-of-the-art remodeling project that will help them receive ASE/NATEF certification in Painting and Refinishing.

Thanks to an endowment, Kent Career Center in Michigan will now have the money to purchase new spray guns for their students.

The National Auto Body Council received funds to help send two American collision repair students to compete in a WorldSkills competition in Japan.

The fifth set of endowments to be awarded since the program was established in 2004 included grants to the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, South Central College and Sentinel Career Center.

“Those are just a couple of the organizations we were able to help this year,” Rodenhouse said.  “Life is a tool box, and with these grants, we are able to help students get the skills they need to be successful.”

Applications are now being accepted for spring of 2008. To apply, contact the Collision Repair Industry Advancement Foundation through Akzo Nobel at  www.akzonobelcarrefinishes.net.