This will be the institution’s second year participating in the legendary rock band’s innovative workforce education program.
For the second year in a row, Front Range Community College has been selected as the only college in Colorado to participate in the prestigious Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI). FRCC will receive a generous $50,000 grant aimed at enhancing the FRCC student experience and career readiness in several of its career technical education programs.
The funding comes from Metallica’s non-profit philanthropic foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), which is making a multimillion-dollar investment in critical workforce programs at community colleges nationwide.
“When we launched the Metallica Scholars Initiative, it really spoke to me,” said James ‘Papa Het’ Hetfield, Metallica’s lead vocalist and guitarist. “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.”
Supporting Students, Area Businesses
“Metallica’s trust in selecting FRCC speaks volumes about our institution’s commitment to advanced manufacturing education and workforce development,” said acting FRCC President Rebecca Woulfe. “The Metallica Scholars Initiative helps FRCC support our students as they launch rewarding careers. It also helps the college connect area businesses with the highly skilled workers they need to thrive.”
Through the grant, FRCC will be able to award $40,000 in scholarships to 20 students in the following programs:
- Automation & Engineering Technology
- Electronics Engineering Technology
- Optics Technology
- Precision Machining
- Welding
A Growing Nationwide Initiative
This year, the Metallica Scholars Initiative is adding 18 new schools to its roster and is committing $2.6 million in grants. These numbers bring the programs totals to 60 schools across all 50 United States plus Guam and more than $10 million invested since the initiative began.
Launched in 2019 by All Within My Hands in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the Metallica Scholars Initiative began with 10 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 more than 25 fields of study offered within the Initiative. To date, AWMH has invested over $10.5 million in the American workforce, reaffirming a commitment to career and technical education at the local level.
“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.”
Real-World Impact
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 allwithinmyhands.org/metallica-scholars.
Media Contacts:
Front Range Community College
Jessica Peterson, Director of Communications
Jessica.peterson@frontrange.edu
(303) 404-5133
All Within My Hands Foundation
Renee Richardson, Director of Philanthropy
renee@allwithinmyhands.org
(415) 458-1532 x10
American Association of Community Colleges
Dr. Martha M. Parham, Sr. Vice President, Public Relations
mparham@aacc.nche.edu
(202) 728-0200
About FRCC
Front Range Community College offers more than 200 degrees and certificates in a wide variety of programs from locations in Boulder County, Larimer County and Westminster—as well as online. FRCC is a member of the Colorado Community College System.
About the Colorado Community College System
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is the state’s largest system of higher education, serving 114,000 students annually at 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities.
About All Within My Hands
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 more than $15 million, providing significant grants to career and technical education programs, combatting food insecurity, and aiding disaster relief efforts.
About AACC
The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) is the voice of the nation’s community colleges, delivering educational and economic opportunity 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.
