The Women’s Industry Network’s (WIN) has again partnered with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) to administer its scholarship program, aiming at encouraging and empowering women with a passion for the collision repair industry.
Applications are now open, at this link, through March 6.
Scholarships are presented annually to deserving students enrolled in viable collision repair technology programs. This past year, WIN expanded its signature scholarship program, supporting a record 30 female students who demonstrated a desire to excel in the field of collision repair.
“WIN's commitment to driving the future of the industry is anchored by our investment in women aspiring to work in collision repair,” said Lisa Ferguson, WIN 2025 Scholarship/Student Relations Committee chair. “WIN’s Student Membership program also provides access to a number of valuable resources and opportunities in addition to scholarship opportunities.”
“In addition, WIN committee volunteers focus on building relationships with students to ensure their success, help them interact with other students on the same career path, and match WIN members who can assist with additional mentoring as needed,” added Ellen Sieminski, WIN 2025 Scholarship/Student Relations Committee vice chair.
As part of the application process, each WIN Scholarship applicant is registered for a complimentary WIN Student Membership. WIN also supports collision repair instructors with access to free WIN memberships through the Pay It Forward campaign.
The expanded WIN Scholarship program offers the College Student Tuition and Conference Scholarship Awards on four awards tiers: CHAMPIONS, STARS, TRAILBLAZERS and LEGENDS. Recipients are awarded a scholarship ranging from $500 up to $2,500 based on the selection team’s evaluation of their application and the interview process. They are also eligible to receive WIN wearables and branded items.
Some WIN scholarship recipients are also eligible for receipt of well-stocked tool kits. Such complete kits are imperative as students begin their professional journey in collision repair, as oftentimes apprentice positions in shops or in classes have to share basic tools or lack the higher-end tools they need to successfully complete their projects.
Eligibility Requirements
All applicants must be high school seniors or post-secondary students enrolled at the time of application in a collision repair program and must have been studying collision repair for at least one semester prior to applying for the awards.
Students will be considered for all scholarships/tool grants they are eligible for based on the individual eligibility factors of each award. These eligibility factors can include gender, school attending, year in school, future plans, outside activities and/or financial need.
The collision instructor must complete the Collision Repair School Solutions Survey in order for his/her students to be eligible for any of the scholarship/tool grant opportunities.
To apply for the WIN 2025 Scholarship program, click here.
To learn more about the Women’s Industry Network’s scholarship program, click here.
This year’s WIN Conference will be in May in Lake Buena Vista near Orlando, FL. As is tradition, one of the on-site WIN Conference highlights is the annual WIN Scholarship Walk which raises funds from volunteers and sponsors, at 7 a.m., May 7. Participation is not limited to in-person conference attendees however, as virtual attendees or non-attending friends, family and colleagues are invited to support this program by organizing their own community walk or gifting their registration fee -- no walking required! Click here to register or here to donate for the WIN Scholarship Walk.
For more information about WIN, go to www.womensindustrynetwork.com.
