Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands, is once again continuing its multimillion-dollar investment in critical workforce programs at community colleges nationwide. Among the schools, Clackamas Community College was invited to return for year six and will continue to receive Metallica Scholars funding to enhance career and technical education programs.

Launched in 2019 by All Within My Hands in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges, the Metallica Scholars Initiative began with 10 colleges (including Clackamas Community College) and primarily manufacturing programs. The initiative offers diverse workforce opportunities for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to find meaningful and well-paying careers, including CCC’s heavy metals programs like welding, industrial technology and automotive technology. Additional curricula will include construction, health care and engineering, contributing to more than 25 fields of study offered within the initiative. To date, All Within My Hands has invested over $10.5 million 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,” Meticalla’s James Hetfield said. “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.”

“Clackamas Community College is honored to once again be part of the Metallica Scholars Initiative. Through this partnership, we are providing essential skills and training to our students, preparing them for meaningful careers,” CCC President Tim Cook said. “The Metallica Scholars program exemplifies the power of collaboration between education and industry, and we remain committed to ensuring the success of our students and the growth of our community.”

Metallica Scholars are often considered nontraditional students, as many have families they support or are the first in their families to pursue a college education. All Within My Hands and the American Association of Community Colleges aim to connect students to skill-building opportunities and bridge the talent needs of the American workforce, all while using 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,” Peter Delgrosso, executive director of All Within My Hands, said. “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.”

Source: Clackamas Community College

Mark Mason