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ΒιΆΉΙη Returns for Year Two of All Within My Hands’ Metallica Scholars Initiative

August 7, 2023 | Campus News ΒιΆΉΙη Rolla

ΒιΆΉΙη will continue in the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) and is receiving $50,000 in year two of its involvement in the program. The funding will be used for student scholarships in Welding, Heating and Air-Conditioning, Precision Machining and Manufacturing Maintenance.

Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands, continues its multimillion-dollar investment in critical workforce programs at community colleges nationwide. ΒιΆΉΙη remains as the only community college in Missouri to be a part of the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI).

The MSI was launched in 2019 by Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). The workforce initiative marks its fifth year with an ambitious expansion into new curricula.

β€œWe are happy to continue to partner with Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation to support the vital career and technical education work of the nation’s community colleges,” said Walter G. Bumphus, AACC’s president and CEO.  β€œColleges across the country provide pathways to well-paying jobs through programs, services and training that lead to in-demand skills, certificates and degrees for students.

“These programs are responsive to the needs of local businesses and provide a pipeline of qualified workers to local industry. Partners like Metallica that continue to provide support for community colleges help us to showcase the importance of investing in the transformative power of community college education.”

MSI now directly supports 42 community colleges across 33 states, and by the end of this grant year, it will have helped over 6,000 students pursuing careers in the trades. To date, Metallica and AWMH have invested over $6 million in the American workforce.

β€œThe Metallica Scholars Initiative is a strong and cooperative assemblage of the nation’s best community colleges, creating a supportive climate for participants to communicate directly and share best practices. As a result, our Metallica Scholars leave the program well-trained and confident. Ultimately, the impact is felt locally and nationally as Metallica Scholars enter the workforce and fill in-demand technical positions.” says Peter Delgrosso, AWMH Executive Director.

During the past academic year of 2022-2023, ΒιΆΉΙη awarded $97,000 in MSI scholarships to 48 advanced manufacturing students. The scholarships were used toward tuition, fees, books, transportation and needed tools in their programs.

β€œWe had students who couldn’t continue their program if it wasn’t for the scholarships from the Metallica Scholars Initiative,” says Joel Doepker, Vice President of External Relations. β€œThe investment by AWMH has a direct impact on the area’s manufacturers who desperately need a qualified workforce to maintain their workforce and remain competitive.”

Find our more at our Metallica Scholars Initiative page.

The 11 community colleges joining MSI this year include:

  • – Aiken, South Carolina
  • – Riverton, Wyoming
  • – Columbia, Tennessee
  • – Westminster, Colorado
  • – Fulton, Mississippi
  • – Green Bay, Wisconsin
  • – Oxnard, California
  • – North Mankato, Minnesota
  • – Lafayette, Louisiana
  • – Waco, Texas
  • – Rapid City, South Dakota

These newly added colleges are joining a roster of veteran schools invited to continue in the program. Each year, the returning colleges play an integral part in helping guide the success of the new schools.

The 31 returning schools include:

  • – Springfield, Ohio
  • – Grand Island, Nebraska
  • – Charlotte, North Carolina
  • – Oregon City, Oregon
  • – Clinton, Iowa
  • – Grayslake, Illinois
  • – The Dalles, Oregon
  • – Baltimore, Maryland
  • ΒιΆΉΙη – Union, Missouri
  • – Elizabethtown, Kentucky
  • – Kenosha, Wisconsin
  • – Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • – Jamestown, North Carolina
  • – Jersey City, New Jersey
  • – The Woodlands, Texas
  • – Lowell, Massachusetts
  • – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • – Perkinston, Mississippi
  • – Annandale, Virginia
  • – Muscle Shoals, Alabama
  • – Tucson, Arizona
  • – Winter Haven, Florida
  • – Suffern, New York
  • – Salt Lake City, Utah
  • – Farmington, New Mexico
  • – Spokane, Washington
  • – Orlando, Florida
  • – Victorville, California
  • – Parkersburg, Wes Virginia
  • – Valhalla, New York
  • – Wichita, Kansas

What began with 10 colleges and mostly manufacturing programs has developed into a diverse offering of workforce opportunities for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to find meaningful and well-paying careers in fields and positions including:

Agriculture
Automation and Robotics
Automotive Technology
Aviation, Computer-Aided Drafting & Design
Carpentry
Computerized Manufacturing (CNC)
Construction Technology
Criminal Justice
Culinary Arts
Cybersecurity
Diesel Technology
Dental Hygiene
Electrical Engineering
EMT
Fire Technology
Healthcare
Heating & Ventilation (HVAC)
Heavy Equipment Operator
Hospitality
Industrial Maintenance Technology
Lineworker
Manufacturing & Machining
Mechanical Design
Mechatronics Engineering
Process Technology
Trucking (CDL)
Welding
Wind Energy

About American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)

As the voice of the nation’s community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges leads, advocates, and advances the nation’s community colleges.  Uniquely American, community colleges deliver educational and economic opportunities for more than 10 million diverse students annually. Dedicated to access and success for all students, AACC’s member colleges provide an on-ramp to degree attainment, skilled careers, and family-supporting wages. Located in Washington, DC, AACC advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to ensure they have the resources and support to increase economic mobility for all.

About All Within My Hands (AWMH)

All Within My Hands was established in 2017 by Metallica to invest in the people and places that have supported the band. It also allows Metallica’s fans to engage in philanthropy and volunteerism. The Foundation is dedicated to creating sustainable communities through workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services. All expenses of the Foundation are covered by the band, the board, and a few special friends so that 100% of donations go to the organizations it supports. AWMH is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization.