Dedicated contribution will support nonprofit’s efforts to expand education, training and career opportunities across the collision repair industry

CHICAGO, Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Champion It Forward, a newly formed nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for the next generation of collision repair professionals, today announced it has received a generous $50,000 gift from LKQ Corporation (Nasdaq: LKQ) to support the organization’s mission and emerging workforce development programs.

LKQ is a proud founding member of Champion It Forward. Its early investment will play a key role as the organization forms its flagship programs designed to strengthen the collision repair workforce by increasing access to mentorship and apprenticeship programs, reducing financial barriers of entry, and developing scholarship programs to springboard aspiring collision repair professionals.

“America’s drivers depend on an automotive repair industry that is staffed with talented, highly skilled professionals, and developing the next generation of that workforce is critical,” said Mark Scafati, Champion It Forward Board Member and LKQ Vice President of Sales and Marketing for North America. “Champion It Forward has created an opportunity for companies throughout our industry to come together around that shared responsibility. LKQ is proud to contribute $50,000 to support its mission and help more individuals discover, pursue and succeed in rewarding careers in collision repair.”

Today, the automotive collision repair industry is facing a workforce shortage, with more than 55% of collision repair technician positions unfilled and demand for nearly 100,000 technicians over the next five years, according to the latest industry data.

LKQ’s generous contribution comes on the heels of the organization raising $300,000 at Crash Champions’ annual Champions Classic charity golf outing earlier this year. The event brought together more than 200 golfers and more than 50 sponsors and partners from across the collision repair and automotive industries, demonstrating broad industry support for Champion It Forward and its mission.

“LKQ is stepping up to send a powerful message about the importance of investing in the people who will carry this industry and the skilled trades forward,” said Seth Ingall, President and Chairman of the Board for Champion It Forward and Crash Champions Chief Legal Officer. “This gift will directly support our efforts to create greater access to training, education and career opportunities for the next generation of collision repair professionals. We are incredibly grateful to the entire LKQ team for believing in our mission and helping us turn that mission into action.”

To learn more about Champion It Forward, support its mission or explore opportunities to get 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.

About LKQ Corporation

LKQ Corporation (Nasdaq: LKQ) is a leading provider of alternative and specialty parts to repair and accessorize automobiles and other vehicles. LKQ has operations in North America, Europe and Taiwan and offers customers a broad range of OEM recycled and aftermarket parts, replacement systems, components, equipment and services to repair and accessorize automobiles, trucks, and recreational and performance vehicles. To learn more, visit LKQCorp.com.

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SOURCE Champion It Forward