PR Newswire·Nov 12, 2026, 10:00 AM ET

Champion It Forward Receives $50,000 Donation from LKQ Corporation to Support Next Generation of Collision Repair Professionals

Champion It Forward, a new nonprofit, received a $50,000 donation from LKQ Corporation to support its workforce development mission.
LKQ is a founding member of the organization & its contribution will help fund mentorship, apprenticeship, & scholarship programs.
The initiative aims to reduce financial barriers & increase access to training for the next generation of collision repair professionals.
The industry currently faces a shortage with over 55% of technician positions unfilled & a projected demand for nearly 100,000 technicians in the next five years.
The donation follows a $300,000 raise at Crash Champions' annual golf event, which involved over 200 golfers & 50 industry sponsors.
Champion It Forward operates as an independent 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to strengthening the skilled trades pipeline in the collision repair sector.
More information about the organization & its opportunities can be found at ChampionItForward.org.