New independent nonprofit will invest in education, training, mentorship and opportunities for the next generation of collision repair professionals

CHICAGO, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — America’s skilled trades gap needs a Champion. Today, Champion It Forward, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is answering the call, launching with a clear mission to equip and champion the next generation of automotive collision repair professionals.

Champion It Forward aims to strengthen the collision repair workforce pipeline by expanding career pathways, advancing mentorship opportunities and providing financial support for aspiring collision repair technicians.

The need is significant. Currently, the collision repair industry faces a workforce gap of more than 55% in unfilled auto body repair technician roles, with demand for nearly 100,000 technicians projected over the next five years, according to the latest industry data.

Champion It Forward is already experiencing a wave of momentum and financial backing. In September, Crash Champions, one of the nation’s fastest-growing founder-led providers of high-quality collision repair services, raised $300,000 at its annual Champions Classic charity golf outing to support the organization.

“Champion It Forward is designed to unite the automotive and collision repair industries in support of building and sustaining a strong workforce,” said Crash Champions Founder and CEO Matt Ebert. “We believe in this organization because it is bringing people and companies from across the automotive landscape together to invest in talent, expand access to training and mentorship, and give the next generation the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.”

The Champion It Forward Board of Directors has additional executive leadership support from industry leaders such as LKQ and 3M.

“The support we have received during the Champion It Forward launch speaks volumes about the commitment that exists across this industry to invest in our future,” said Champion It Forward Board Member Dave Gunderson, President, Automotive Aftermarket Division, 3M. “The $300,000 raised through the Champions Classic gives Champion It Forward the ability to begin turning that shared commitment into action. We are enormously grateful to Crash Champions and to every sponsor, partner and participant who supported the event. Their generosity will help us begin creating opportunities that can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and strengthen our industry for years to come.”

This early support and funding provide Champion It Forward with an important foundation as it begins developing programs designed to expand access to the collision repair profession in the form of paid apprenticeships, educational support, and tool grants.

Among its early priorities, the organization will work to support programs and initiatives that:

• Build stronger awareness of the collision repair industry and the skilled trades as viable, rewarding careers;
• Reduce financial barriers to technical training, certifications and paid apprenticeships through scholarship opportunities; and
• Bring automotive insurance carriers, suppliers and educators together to invest in the next generation of collision repair technicians.

The organization’s formation comes as collision repair employers across the country continue to focus on recruiting and developing skilled technicians and building more consistent pathways into the profession.

To learn more about Champion It Forward, support its mission or explore opportunities to become involved, visit ChampionItForward.org.

About Champion It Forward

Champion It Forward is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for the next generation of collision repair professionals. Through investments in education, training, mentorship and apprenticeships, Champion It Forward works to reduce barriers to entering the skilled trades and help individuals build rewarding, long-term careers. By bringing together resources and support from across the automotive and collision repair industries, the organization is helping strengthen the pipeline of skilled professionals and invest in the future of the profession. To learn more, visit: ChampionItForward.org.

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SOURCE Champion It Forward