LCCC’s auto body repair program receives grant and extensive donations

CHEYENNE, WYO. — Laramie County Community College's auto body repair program recently received a grant from the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF)

The LCCC team was allowed to choose $1,000 worth of tools or equipment from CREF. According to Rob Benning, the program's director, the team has already received a telescoping tram gauge for dimensional measuring, self-darkening welding helmets, a welding blanket, door tools, and specialized hammers and dollies.

"Students started using them from the first day we pulled them out of the box," he said.

The CREF grant provided the opportunity to expand on the tools they currently have without using budgeted funds.

"Our auto body repair program strives to be a premier training facility; continuously updating to match industry trends, receiving this grant helps us reach our goals," Benning added.

But that's not all: another aspect of applying for the CREF grant was receiving thousands of dollars' worth of tools and supplies from 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division. This year, the program also received three pallets of 3M items such as grinding and cutting wheels, Roloc discs, paint cups, color match film systems, and body filler. This manufacturer donation was arranged by the Collision Repair Education Foundation.

"Realistically the donations we received from 3M were worth completing the grant," Benning said. "3M donations went above and beyond that award."

For more details about this program, visit lccc.wy.edu.