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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.

Metallica Scholars  logo

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

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 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
"The Metallica Scholars Initiative played a critical role in shaping my education and new career in the manufacturing industry. Through the program, I gained a wealth of knowledge and tons of hands-on experience with industry-accurate machines and technology, along with industry certifications and access to state-of-the-art robotics and mechatronics training that prepared me for real-world applications. The financial assistance and resources provided by Metallica, including textbooks, sophisticated robotics software, and a brand-new digital multimeter, allowed us to focus on our studies without the burden of financial woes and greatly lessened the cost of purchasing tools. The sophisticated robotics software was immensely helpful in training us for entering the dynamic manufacturing industry, equipping us with the technical skills and problem-solving abilities required to excel in the field. This would not have been possible without the help of Metallica. Their support ensured that I had the tools, training and financial relief necessary to pursue my passion and establish a meaningful career in automation. I’m incredibly grateful for the Metallica Scholars Initiative and CT State Asnuntuck for paving the way for my success in manufacturing and automation."