Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), is continuing its multimillion-dollar investment in critical workforce programs at community colleges throughout the U.S. Selected from a competitive pool of candidates, Aiken Technical College has been chosen to receive $100,000 to transform the futures of students within the CSRA.
According to a press release from Aiken Tech, the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) was launched in 2019 by Metallica’s AWMH and in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).
Joining a roster of veteran schools invited to continue in the program, Aiken Tech will be the first South Carolina college selected to participate in MSI.
“It is an honor to be among the 11 colleges selected for this prestigious initiative. The goals of the Metallica Scholars Initiative align perfectly with our mission to provide educational and workforce development opportunities,” said Aiken Tech President Dr. Forest E. Mahan. “Through MSI, our college has chosen to focus on building the workforce pipeline for our cyber and computer technology industries in the region by supporting students through scholarships and development opportunities, and increasing overall awareness about the growing need for highly-skilled IT personnel.”
With MSI now directly supporting 42 community colleges in 33 states, and by the end of 2023 will have helped over 6,000 students to pursue careers in various trades. Each year, returning colleges play an integral part in helping guide the success of the new schools, such as Aiken Tech.
The workforce initiative is marking its fifth year with an ambitious expansion into new curricula. To date, Metallica and AWMH have reportedly invested over $6 million in the American workforce.
“The 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,” said AWMH Executive Director Peter Delgrosso. “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.”
Renewing a commitment to career and technical education at the local level, each added school brings incredible opportunities to encourage the possibility of having a thriving and growing community.
“We 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. “Colleges 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.”
What began with ten 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.
The initiative will allow Aiken Tech to support dual enrollment students participating in its cybersecurity networking pathway, students enrolled in its academic computer technology programs, and those pursuing specialized CompTIA certifications in IT through the college’s continuing education courses.
