The University of Alaska Anchorage Community & Technical College (CTC) has announced its selection as 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 generous $75,000 grant aimed at enhancing the building of Alaska’s workforce and fostering student success through quality education and technical training. 

“Thank you to the All Within My Hands Foundation for choosing CTC as the recipient of this generous grant in support of our students in UAA’s Automotive and Diesel programs,” said Raymond Weber, Ph.D., CTC’s dean. “Each one of our students works so hard to make a better future for themselves, and we are thrilled that the money will be going directly to the students in the form of directly issued scholarships. Making it easier for them to complete the program and lessening the burden of their student loan responsibilities for many years to come. We are excited to keep doing the hard work that it takes to help these students learn, grow, and become successful in the workforce of our Alaskan community.” 

“UAA creates opportunity through education,” said Sean Parnell, UAA chancellor. “This recognition will advance our university’s workforce mission and empower Alaskans to create a bright future in our state.” 

Launched in 2019 by All Within My Hands in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), MSI began with ten colleges and primarily manufacturing programs. With steady development by creative and dedicated leadership, MSI offers diverse workforce opportunities for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to find meaningful and well-paying careers. Additional curricula will include construction, health care, and engineering, contributing to 30 fields of study offered within the Initiative. To date, AWMH has invested over $10.5M in the American workforce, reaffirming a commitment to career and technical education at the local level. 

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 benefited 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.” 

For a complete list of all 60 colleges currently supported by AWMH, visit All Within My Hands.