Aiken Technical College (Aiken Tech) has been selected to participate in the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) for a second consecutive year. The college will receive $50,000 to continue supporting students enrolled in its computer technology and cybersecurity programs and courses.

The recent announcement comes as MSI begins year six and 18 new colleges join the roster of existing MSI community colleges, with each new college receiving $75,000 to enhance the student experience within career and technical education programs. The Metallica Scholars Initiative now has a presence in 60 colleges across all 50 United States and the territory of Guam. 

Aiken Tech remains the only South Carolina institution selected for this prestigious initiative.

Launched in 2019, MSI was developed by All Within My Hands, the non-profit, philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica, in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). MSI began with 10 colleges and primarily manufacturing programs. 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.

In the first year as an MSI institution, Aiken Tech supported over 100 students by providing scholarship funding for those enrolled in the college’s CompTIA’s A+, Network+, and Security+ courses and covering industry certification exam costs for computer technology students.

Of those served, 14 percent were dual enrollment students, and 5 percent were veterans or military dependents. 

“The importance of a skilled IT workforce continues to be highlighted as our world becomes increasingly dependent on technology. MSI supports our mission of providing educational and workforce development opportunities by removing financial barriers for students seeking to earn critical industry certifications. We have also been able to highlight the educational opportunities for those seeking to build or advance their IT skills,” said Aiken Tech President Dr. Forest E. Mahan. “We are thankful for All Within My Hands for their continued advocacy for technical education and workforce development.”

To date, AWMH has invested over $10.5M in the American workforce, reaffirming a commitment to career and technical education at the local level.

“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

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.

“I am happy to congratulate the newest Metallica Scholarship Initiative colleges. The sustained investment in workforce education by the All Within My Hands Foundation has benefitted thousands of community college students,” said Walter G. Bumphus, president and CEO of AACC. “This work helps to advance skills education and the nation’s workforce pipeline. We are honored to continue this partnership to provide critical resources that eliminate barriers for students to participate in skills education programs that lead to family-sustaining wage careers.”

By the end of year six, AWMH 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. 

“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.”

AWMH would like to thank its long-time sponsors and partners, Carhartt and Wolverine, its advisory board members, and the Metallica Family, who have supported AWMH and helped to continue growing this Initiative.

For a complete list of all 60 colleges currently supported by AWMH, visitallwithinmyhands.org/metallica-scholars.