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News From AWMH

We’re Expanding Into All 50 States With Metallica Scholars Year 6

JULY 22, 2024

We could not be more excited to announce year six of our Metallica Scholars Initiative with our largest expansion and grant to date!

This year, we will add 18 new schools to our roster and commit $2.6M in grants. These numbers bring our totals to 60 schools across all 50 United States plus Guam and over $10M invested since we launched MSI.

James Hetfield tries his hand at Truck Driving, a field of study supported by the Metallica Scholars Initiative.

“When we launched the Metallica Scholars Initiative, it really spoke to me. A collective goal of breaking the stigma of trade skills. Trade skills are vital to society, and what’s even more important is to support the many folks who are trying to create a career by learning and using these skills. I am so proud - we all are - to see how this program is changing lives by providing much-needed resources to empower students, and it’s great that we’re able to make our biggest grant yet to support these students and the future workforce. We are reaching even further for year six of the Metallica Scholars Initiative. This year, our program will be in 60 schools in all 50 states! All thanks to your support.”

James "Papa Het" Hetfield

Launched in 2019 in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), MSI began with ten colleges and primarily manufacturing programs.

Rhyan Carson, Metallica Scholar
Surgical Technology, Salt Lake Community College

Additional curricula will include construction, healthcare, and engineering, contributing to 30 fields of study offered within the Initiative. To date, AWMH has invested over $10.5M in the American workforce, reaffirming a commitment to career and technical education at the local level. With steady development by creative and dedicated leadership, MSI offers diverse workforce opportunities for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to find meaningful and well-paying careers.

By the end of year six, we estimate that we will have helped over 8,000 students of a wide range of backgrounds and ages gain skills to assist in finding meaningful jobs and careers. Metallica Scholars are often considered nontraditional students, as many already have families they support or are the first in their families to pursue a college education.

Ricky Bueno, Metallica Scholar
Automotive Technology, College of Lake County

AWMH and the AACC aim to connect students to skill-building opportunities and bridge the talent needs of the American workforce, all while utilizing the community college system, which is the most affordable, flexible, and industry-relevant applied-learning training provider in the country.

“Metallica, through their foundation, is changing how people view and engage with the trades in this country, and it is working. Metallica Scholars are diverse, motivated, and ambitious, and we are here to help them reach their goals. I am so proud and honored to be able to announce entrance into all 50 states as this is a significant milestone for not only our foundation but the incredible community we have helped foster and connect.” 

Peter Delgrosso, Executive Director
All Within My Hands

A huge thank you to our long-time sponsors and partners, Carhartt and Wolverine, our advisory board members, and, of course, to the Metallica Family, who have supported AWMH and helped to continue growing this Initiative.

Metallica Scholars, Logistics and Distribution, Victor Valley College

The following newly added community colleges will receive $75,000 each to enhance the student experience within career and technical education programs.

For a complete list of all 60 schools currently supported by AWMH, visit allwithinmyhands.org/metallica-scholars.

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