GTCC receives $50,000 from All Within My Hands foundation for Metallica Scholars Initiative

Metallica, through its foundation, continues its support of community colleges with grants to 42 colleges across the country.

JAMESTOWN, N.C. (Aug. 16, 2023) – For the second consecutive year, Guilford Technical Community College joined a large group of community colleges across the country to receive funding from the Metallica Scholars Initiative to enhance career and technical education programs.

The Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) was launched in 2019 by Metallica's foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). MSI directly supports 42 community colleges across 33 states. By the end of this year, it will have helped more than 6,000 students pursuing careers in the trades. Metallica and AWMH have invested over $6 million in the American workforce.

"The Metallica Scholars Initiative is so important to us because we are seeing results. Five years in, with the help of community colleges across the country, we are helping people fill these essential jobs which require skills and training. We are so proud and grateful that we can facilitate this program," said Lar Ulrich, a member of Metallica.

Through the Metallica Scholars Initiative, GTCC provided scholarships during the 2022-23 academic year to 90 GTCC students in programs identified as generating workforce for in-demand, well-paying jobs in the region. Because many GTCC students have financial barriers beyond tuition, some of the grant money was used to cover the cost of supplies and materials, books, and credential testing.

Forty-two scholarships were awarded to students in GTCC's aviation manufacturing quick careers program, 32 went to students in construction and skilled trades, and 16 went to truck driver training.

"Metallica and All Within My Hands understand the need for more skilled workers in America and have generously invested in helping grow the American workforce," said Anthony Clarke, Ph.D., president of Guilford Technical Community College. "Specifically, for GTCC, this grant means the educational journey for many GTCC students will be possible and critical positions in our region's workforce will be filled with well-trained employees."

Direct impact on job and wage growth is an important element of what drives the Metallica Scholars Initiative. On average, students who complete the program see new job opportunities and increased salary potential up to three times higher than pre-program.

About American Association of Community Colleges: 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: 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.