CT State Asnuntuck First in CT to be Selected for Metallica Scholars Initiative Workforce Education Program

Enfield, CT – CT State Community College (CT State) Asnuntuck has announced its selection as the first community college in Connecticut and one of 18 nationwide recipients this year to join the prestigious Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI). This honor comes as part of the largest expansion of the initiative to date, supported by a $75,000 grant aimed at enhancing the Asnuntuck student experience and career readiness within its advanced manufacturing programs.

 

“Connecticut State Community College is proud to be part of this program, which continues the commitment and legacy of offering transformative educational opportunities that lead to meaningful high-demand and high-wage jobs,” said CT State President O. John Maduko, M.D. “This award highlights our dedication to advanced manufacturing and workforce development, bridging our students to rewarding careers within our Connecticut communities. The Metallica Scholars Initiative provides vital resources and support for our students and elevates the importance and dignity of career and technical education.”

 

Through the grant, Asnuntuck will be able to award $30,000 in scholarships to 30 students in the program’s summer advanced manufacturing cohort. Manufacturing students will also receive OSHA 10 training and certification and have access to new robotics simulation software. The campus will also use the funds to supply welding students with their own equipment, which they can take with them to use in future employment.

 

“We are incredibly honored to be selected as a Metallica Scholars community college, representing Connecticut as the ‘one and only’ in this prestigious initiative,” said CT State Asnuntuck campus CEO Michelle Coach, Ed.D. “This grant equips our students with essential safety certifications, equipment, career readiness competencies and cutting-edge skills, ensuring they are highly marketable in the workforce,” she continued. “We are proud to launch the careers of our students with the solid foundation and unique recognition that comes with being a Metallica Scholar. Thanks to this support, our students are ready to rock their future and excel in the manufacturing sector.”

 

 

James “Papa Het” Hetfield, Metallica’s lead vocalist and guitarist, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative's growth: “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.”

 

“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, MSI 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. 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.

 

“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.”

All Within My Hands (AWMH) is a non-profit, philanthropic organization created by Metallica and dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services. Since its inception, AWMH has raised over $15 million, providing significant grants to career and technical education programs, combatting food insecurity, and aiding disaster relief efforts. For a complete list of all 60 colleges currently supported by AWMH, visit allwithinmyhands.org/metallica-scholars.

 

The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) is the voice of the nation’s community colleges, delivering educational and economic opportunities for more than 10 million diverse students. AACC advocates for community colleges to ensure they have the resources needed to increase economic mobility for all. For More Information, visit All Within My Hands and AACC.