Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) is partnering with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College for the second consecutive year, granting $50,000 in scholarships to make college possible for students pursuing high-wage careers.
Thanks to this initiative, students with qualifying financial need will receive up to $1,000 in scholarships towards programs in high-demand sectors of manufacturing, health care, human services, construction, IT, and transportation. Students may apply now.
“We are incredibly honored to be part of the Metallica Scholars Initiative once again and grateful to share this opportunity with our students,” said Kristen Raney, NWTC president. “Being named a Metallica Scholar means additional financial support for our students. It’s also a testament to our shared commitment to build a thriving workforce in high-wage, high-demand career fields. We are excited to continue this partnership and transform lives and our communities through higher education.”
Marking an exciting milestone for MSI, this is the sixth year since its inception and is awarding the largest grant to date with $2.6 committed to 60 colleges across the country. With the 18 new colleges joining the roster this year, MSI now has a presence across all 50 United States and the territory of Guam.
James “Papa Het” Hetfield, Metallica’s lead vocalist and guitarist, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative's growth: “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.”
By the end of year six, MSI estimates that it will have helped more than 8,000 students with a wide range of backgrounds and ages gain skills to assist in finding meaningful jobs and careers. Metallica Scholars are often considered non-traditional students, as many have families they support or are the first in their families to pursue a college education. AWMH and 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,” stated Peter Delgrosso, executive director of All Within My Hands. “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.”
For a complete list of all 60 colleges currently supported by AWMH, visit allwithinmyhands.org/metallica-scholars. To learn more about NWTC’s scholarship or how to apply, visit nwtc.edu/scholarships
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About All Within My Hands
All Within My Hands (AWMH) is a non-profit, philanthropic organization conceived by the members and management of Metallica and dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services. 100% of donations go directly to local organizations that the Foundation supports. To date, All Within My Hands’ collective efforts have raised over $15M— providing $8.2M in grants to career and technical education programs, over $3.6M to combat food insecurity, and more than $3.5M to disaster relief efforts. To learn more about All Within My Hands, Visit AllWithinMyHands.org and follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
About AACC
As the voice of the nation’s community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), delivers educational and economic opportunity for more than 10 million diverse students in search of the American Dream. Uniquely 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, 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. For more information, visit https://www.aacc.nche.edu/.
