Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. is expanding its longstanding partnership with Pennsylvania College of Technology, increasing its annual donation of paint and supplies from $7,500 to $15,000 over the next five years to benefit students in the college’s collision repair and automotive restoration programs.
The commitment represents a significant boost in support for more than 40 enrolled students and underscores Axalta’s dedication to workforce development in the automotive refinishing sector.
“Axalta is a truly invaluable partner, consistently investing in both our programs and our students,” said Ali Lorson, assistant dean of transportation technologies at Penn College. “We are incredibly grateful for this new agreement and the generous increase in the donation. It will make a lasting impact.”
Penn College offers multiple credentials in this field, including an associate’s degree in collision repair technology, a collision repair technician certificate, and a certificate in automotive restoration.
As part of the renewed partnership, Axalta will continue to provide cutting-edge color retrieval hardware and software, enabling students to train on the latest industry-standard technologies.
“With their generous donation of paint supplies and color retrieval hardware and software, we can train students on the cutting-edge technology that Axalta has to offer,” said Shaun Hack, instructor and co-department head. “The support Axalta shows to our programs confirms the company’s strong commitment to the future technicians of the collision repair industry.”
Axalta’s contributions go beyond material support. The company also provides instructional resources, faculty training and curricular guidance, and sponsors an annual award for the top-performing collision repair graduate. It is recognized on the college’s Donor Wall as a Visionary Society member, a distinction reserved for donors contributing between $100,000 and $499,999.
“We are proud to support Pennsylvania College of Technology in its mission to foster education and innovation,” said Victor Ricco, Axalta account specialist. “By investing in the next generation of leaders and thinkers, we are not only giving back to the community but also helping shape a brighter future for all.”
“Axalta’s long-term partnership offers students valuable access to industry-standard products that prepares them for success in their field,” said Shanin Dougherty, corporate relations officer.
More information on Penn College’s collision repair and automotive restoration programs is available at www.pct.edu/et.
