Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), continues its multimillion-dollar investment in critical workforce programs at community colleges nationwide. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College has been invited to return in the initiative’s fifth year, making this the second year MGCCC has been included. Metallica Scholars funding will be used at MGCCC to enhance career and technical education programs at the college in a variety of ways, including up to 60 student scholarships.

The focus of this year’s initiative at MGCCC is automotive programs at the Harrison County Campus. That includes Automotive Technology and Auto Collision Repair Technology.  Students in those programs will receive priority in receiving scholarships.

“The Metallica Scholars Initiative is so important to us because we are seeing results,” said Lars Ulrich of Metallica. “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.”

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

“The Metallica Scholars Initiative is a strong and cooperative assemblage of the nation’s best community colleges, creating a supportive climate for participants to communicate directly and share best practices,” said Peter Delgrosso, AWMH executive director. “As a result, our Metallica Scholars leave the program well-trained and confident. Ultimately, the impact is felt locally and nationally as Metallica Scholars enter the workforce and fill in-demand technical positions.”

What began with 10 colleges and mostly manufacturing programs has developed into a diverse offering of workforce opportunities for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to find meaningful and well-paying careers in fields and positions ranging from electric lineworker to dental hygienist.

“With the help of the Metallica Scholars Initiative, MGCCC provides outstanding training and scholarship opportunities to our students,” said Dr. Emma Miller, dean of Teaching and Learning at MGCCC’s Harrison County Campus.  “We are thrilled to be a part of this incredible effort again this year.”

For more information and to apply for the Metallica Scholars Program, visit https://mgccc.edu/paying-for-college/scholarships/metallica-scholars-initiative.