Metallica Scholars
CT State Asnuntuck is a proud recipient of the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI), which enhances the student experience and career readiness in its advanced manufacturing programs.
The grant allows CT State Asnuntuck to award scholarships to students in the advanced manufacturing cohort, provide OSHA 10 training and certification, make new robotics simulation software available and supply welding students with their own equipment, which they can take with them to use in future employment.
About the Program
When you think of the iconic rock band Metallica, higher education and scholarships may not be the first thing that crosses your mind, but through their foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), the band partners with the American Association of Community Colleges to provide direct support to community colleges through the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI). This initiative provides skills and services to students looking to enter a conventional trade or other applied learning programs. AWMH currently supports 75 community colleges, investing over $13.5 million to date to help students interested in gaining skills and training necessary to find meaningful and well-paying careers.
Become a Metallica Scholar
CT State Asnuntuck students in the Advanced Manufacturing Machine Technology, Robotics and Mechatronics and Welding and Fabrication Technology programs may qualify for this initiative. To learn more about the program or to tour the manufacturing space at Asnuntuck, contact as-manufacturing@ctstate.edu.
Student Success Stories
Mylissa Brown
From the moment Mylissa stepped into the Advanced Manufacturing Program shop at CT State Asnuntuck, she was hooked.
After her studies, Mylissa found employment at the Shepard Steel team in Hartford as a flux core welder. In the next five to ten years, she aspires to continue her work at Shepard Steel while pursuing her side passion in the automotive repair field.
In Mylissa's Words
“I enjoyed stick welding the most, or anything in the welding shop! Hands-on was the best over theory classes.”Because of the Metallica Scholars grant assisting me, I didn’t miss out on anything. I am forever grateful to Metallica for all their support to make my educational experience as successful as it was.”
John Sialis-Giagios
John studied Robotics and Mechatronics Technician. With support from MSI, he graduated with the skills and confidence needed to secure a position as an Automation Technician at C&S Wholesale Grocers. He's working in their cutting-edge, fully automated warehouse. He works with advanced automation systems, contributing to innovative solutions.
In John's Words
In the News
- CT State Asnuntuck First in CT to be Selected for Metallica Scholars Initiative Workforce Education Program (CT State Newsroom, July 22, 2024)
- Metallica Scholars Initiative Now in All 50 States (Community College Daily, July 22, 2024)
- CT State Asnuntuck Selected for Second Year for Metallica Scholars Initiative (Enfield Patch, August 25, 2025)
- CT State Asnuntuck Announces Participation in Metallica Scholars Initiative (Business West, August 25, 2025)
- CT State Asnuntuck Invited to Join Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) for Second Time (CT State Newsroom, September 2, 2025)
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