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News From AWMH

Metallica Scholars Initiative Enters Fourth Year Expanding Reach Across the US

“You guys are seriously a lifesaver. I applied for so many scholarships throughout my time in college and never received any of them. I honestly didn’t think I was special enough. I had to take out a loan and put myself in debt to follow a dream. Thanks to you, I don’t have to take out any more money! I can just focus on school and not worry about money. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!”

– Samantha Sparks, Welder, Columbia Gorge Community College

Since establishing the Metallica Scholars Initiative in 2019, All Within My Hands (AWMH) has been working with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) to provide direct support for career and technical education programs across the US. Having grown from a concept to a thriving educational strategy that focuses on enhancing skills while providing services to students looking to enter a traditional trade or other applied learning program, the Metallica Scholars Initiative has generated a proven and measurable impact. AWMH will replicate the program further by adding ten more schools to the roster, investing $1.8 million to expand in year four. 

“Our goal for the Metallica Scholars Initiative is to shine a light on workforce education and support the next generation of tradespeople. With the addition of the 2022-2023 Metallica Scholars program, our grants will reach over 2,000 men and women in 32 community colleges across 27 states. We are honored to support these students of all ages and backgrounds and look forward to growing the program even farther in the future.”  - Pete Delgrosso,  Executive Director, All Within My Hands.

Direct impact on job and wage growth drives the Metallica Scholars Initiative. On average, students who complete the program see new job opportunities and increased salary potential up to three times higher than pre-program. Countless testimonials from Metallica Scholars tell firsthand what it means to them, and it is these stories that inspire program expansion. 

“The fact that Metallica is spending their time and effort to support our students brings them to a different level and they are more responsible. They’re the first people to show up for class and some of the last to leave. They’re the most dedicated students because of the investment that the band has made in them.” - Tom Brown, Program Outreach Coordinator, Clackamas Community College

As in years past, AWMH has welcomed partners like Wolverine Boots & Apparel, whose annual work boot collaboration has furnished financial support while outfitting Metallica Scholars along the way. This year promises new surprises for Metallica Scholars and Wolverine’s Project Bootstrap in supporting the next generation of trade workers. The goal is to invite other great corporate partners like Wolverine into the program.  

“I drive into Grand Rapids from White Cloud every day [approximately 50 miles each way] for this training, so receiving the Metallica Scholarship was like winning the lottery, and the beautiful boots from Wolverine were a bonus, too! I’m just so thankful!” - Armondo Medina, Metallica Scholar, Grand Rapids Community College. 

Working closely with the AACC, a Washington D.C.-based advocate for not-for-profit, public-serving institutions, AWMH has selected ten schools to receive $100,000 each to transform the future of students in their communities. The extensive proposal process received an incredible amount of interest, and the applications were of the highest quality. Each of the ten institutions chosen intends to prioritize students interested in the skilled trades as a pathway to economic development.

The ten schools each receiving $100,000 are:

The newly added community colleges are joining an already established core of 22 schools that have been invited to continue as a Metallica Scholars school. Each year the returning colleges play an integral role in onboarding, to help the new schools hit the ground running. 

The returning schools are:

The 32 colleges across the country are encouraged to use the AWMH grant as the local industry dictates in terms of program and training. To provide skilled and educated tradespeople ready for the local workforce, Metallica Scholars programs include: 

Automation and Robotics

Automotive Technology

Aviation, Computer-Aided Drafting & Design 

Computerized Manufacturing (CNC)

Construction Technology & Carpentry

Diesel Technology 

Electrical Engineering

Healthcare, Heating & Ventilation (HVAC)

Heavy Equipment Operator

Hospitality

Industrial Maintenance Technology

Manufacturing & Machining

Mechanical Design

Mechatronics Engineering

Process Technology

Trucking

Welding

About American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)

As the voice of the nation’s community colleges, the AACC delivers educational and economic opportunities for 12 million diverse students searching for the American Dream. Uniquely dedicated to access and success for all students, AACC’s nearly 1,100 member colleges provide an on-ramp to degree attainment, skilled careers, and family-supporting wages. Located in Washington, D.C., AACC advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to ensure they have the resources and support they need to deliver on the mission of increasing economic mobility for all.

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