Carolinas Collision Association (CCA) has extended its deadline for their 2025 CCA Tool Grants to Feb. 28. 

The association has eight $2,000 tool grants it will award this year. It also will award a $10,000 BETAG Innovation training course to one of the tool grant recipients. 

Avery Canady, CCA secretary and Blue Ridge Color Company southern sales leader, said the course was donated and will provide the recipient with several months of training focused on metal repair. 

He said the tool grant program was created by the Trade School Committee to bridge the gap between schools and the collision industry. 

The grants are given to young technicians that will soon be working in a shop or already are apprenticing or working in a shop, Canady said. 

“We know that they are committed and years down the road know that we were a part of their success in collision repair,” Canady said. 

Canady said he’s found the program personally rewarding. 

“One of the parts of the application is an essay,” Canady said. “It has impacted me tremendously hearing some of the financial challenges that these young people are facing.” 

CCA has followed up with the recipients and heard their stories on how the grant has helped them start their careers, he said. 

“This has given them a leg up and the ability to repair cars properly,” Canady said. 

To be eligible for a grant, applicants must be planning to accept a job in the collision industry within the calendar year or currently working in a shop. Sponsoring schools must be a current member of CCA. There is no cost for a school to be member. Sign up to be a member here. 

Submit applications to toolgrant@carolinascollisionassociation.com.

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Members of Carolinas Collision Association (CCA) present Avery Smith  with a 2024 tool grant/CCA