Growing network expands to 90+ schools, with the legendary band committing more than $3.3 million internationally.
For the fourth-year running, Front Range Community College has been asked to participate in the prestigious Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI). FRCC has once again been selected from a competitive pool of applicants to receive funding that will help transform the futures of students in our communities through scholarships and student support.
FRCC will use this year’s generous $15,000 grant to enhance students’ career and workforce readiness through the college’s optics, quantum & laser technology and precision machining programs. This is an annual award for at least the next five years, which supports the long-term sustainability of the Metallica Scholars Initiative at FRCC.
Over the last three years as an MSI participant, FRCC has received $175,000 in support of career and technical education programs in advanced manufacturing. The funding comes from Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), which is making a multimillion-dollar investment in critical workforce programs at community colleges nationwide.
“These funds do more than help students pay for college—they help launch careers,” says President Colleen Simpson, EdD.
“When we invest in students, we invest in the future of our communities,” she adds. “The Metallica Scholars Initiative shows what’s possible when philanthropy and education come together to expand opportunity, strengthen our workforce, and change lives.”
“Thanks to All Within My Hands, our Metallica Scholars will have the support they need to complete their training and step into Colorado’s high-demand, high-wage workforce.”
FRCC will use the ongoing MSI funding to support students in two of the advanced manufacturing programs at the college’s high-tech Center for Integrated Manufacturing in Longmont:
Clear Results, Lasting Impact
As part of FRCC’s initial $100,000 Metallica Scholars Initiative grant, the college intentionally invested $10,000 to provide all students in its advanced manufacturing programs with dedicated math tutoring and supplemental instruction.
Within just one semester, success rates increased from 50% to 97%. They have remained at 97% (or higher) every semester since 2023.
The impact extended well beyond the MSI grant itself. Because of these exceptional outcomes, FRCC has institutionalized the tutoring model by permanently incorporating math tutoring into the program budget. This is one of the strongest examples of the lasting impact of the Metallica Scholars Initiative—not only helping students today but creating a sustainable support model that will continue to benefit students for years to come.
Real Success Stories
Students say the financial assistance that comes with being a Metallica scholar is critical to help them stay in college. In three years the program has helped 67 students with average scholarship awards of $2,000.
But don’t just take our word for it. Read about the real-life experiences of FRCC Metallica scholars like Angelica Garcia and Hannah Scarbrough:
- Metallica Scholar Finds Direction, Career Path Through Optics Apprenticeship
- Army Veteran, Metallica Scholar Sets Her Sights on IT Networking Career
- Metallica Scholars Go Backstage at Mile High Stadium
Expanding to Change More Lives
All Within My Hands (AWMH), the non-profit, philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica, has proudly announced the eighth year of its Metallica Scholars Initiative with its largest grant to date: more than $3.3 million. Eighteen new US schools will join the returning 75 colleges in the fall for a total of 93 in the program. In addition, later this year, the Metallica Scholars Initiative will also expand to the United Kingdom in partnership with Capital City College Group in London.
Metallica’s James Hetfield said, “This thing started as a dream. Now our program is changing lives. To expand our impact on a global scale and support even more students is so rewarding.”
“We’re so proud of all the Metallica Scholars who have come through it and all the ones who will participate in it,” he added. “It’s humbling to know we’ve been part of the journey of thousands of trade professionals doing good, hard work in the world.”
Peter Delgrosso, Executive Director, AWMH, said, “Metallica Scholars Year 8 will see our largest-scale growth yet, as we anticipate supporting close to 4,000 new students in the United States and more than 1,000 learners in the UK. This represents an approximate 40% increase in our student body, something we are incredibly excited about.”
“Supporting people of all ages entering and ascending through trades is the right thing to do, not just domestically, but also abroad,” Delgrosso added. “Our Metallica Scholars have demonstrated resilience and a strong determination to succeed, which in turn motivates us to match their ambition.”
Supporting Trade Education
AWMH continues to work closely with its long-time partner, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Launched in 2019 by All Within My Hands, MSI’s core focus is supporting conventional trades, including welders, plumbers and electricians, while also adding fields that will generate the jobs of tomorrow.
The workforce initiative continues to evolve, supporting diverse fields for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to establish meaningful careers that provide family-sustaining wages. Year 8 includes a wide range of fields, including nursing and healthcare, optical systems technology, automotive repair, maritime manufacturing, firefighting and EMT, pipefitting, and agricultural pathways.
Innovation Through Collaboration
Dr. DeRionne P. Pollard, President and CEO of AACC, said, “The continued growth of the Metallica Scholars Initiative is a powerful testament to what’s possible when visionary philanthropy and community colleges come together around a shared mission. Through this partnership, 13,000 community college students have already been supported across the country, earning the skills needed for in- demand careers with family-sustaining wages.”
“This latest, generous investment by Metallica’s foundation will reach more learners, while strengthening the workforce pipelines that power local economies,” Pollard added. “We are proud to partner with All Within My Hands to scale this impact, ensuring even more students have access to life-changing opportunities in the skilled trades and beyond.”
The initiative’s eighth iteration also marks the renewal of AWMH’s partnerships with Carhartt, Wolverine, CNH Construction, and Upstaging, Inc., as well as the addition of the Foundation’s newest partner, ServiceTitan. These corporate partners complement the Foundation’s Executive and Advisory Board Members and the broader Metallica Family, all of whom have played a role in advancing AWMH’s mission and driving its success.
For a complete list of all 93 colleges currently supported by AWMH, visit allwithinmyhands.org/metallica-scholars.
About Front Range Community College
FRCC is Colorado’s largest community college, serving more than 28,000 students each year. With courses offered at multiple locations, online and through our high school concurrent enrollment programs, at FRCC, learners can choose from more than 200 degrees and certificates in a wide variety of fields. For more information, visit frontrange.edu.
The college’s strategic plan, Forward, Together, focuses on five strategic priorities:
- Learning Without Limits
- Success for Every Learner
- Vibrant Culture
- College Excellence
- Transformational Partnerships
FRCC is proud to be part of the Colorado Community College System, advancing educational access and workforce development across the state.
About All Within My Hands
Established in 2017, All Within My Hands (AWMH) is a non-profit, philanthropic organization conceived by the members and management of Metallica and dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services. Metallica covers all administrative costs, so 100% of donations go directly to the organizations supported by the Foundation. To date, All Within My Hands has provided grants of $19M to career and technical education programs through its Metallica Scholars Initiative, $8.8M to combat food insecurity, and $6.2M to disaster relief and other critical local services worldwide. Visit AllWithinMyHands.org to learn more. And follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
About the American Association of Community Colleges
As the voice of the nation’s community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) delivers educational and economic opportunity for more than 10 million diverse students in search of the American Dream. Uniquely dedicated to access and success for all students, AACC’s member colleges provide an on-ramp to degree attainment, skilled careers, and family-supporting wages. Located in Washington, D.C., AACC advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to ensure they have the resources and support they need to deliver on the mission of increasing economic mobility for all. https://www.aacc.nche.edu/
About the Colorado Community College System
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) CCCS comprises 13 colleges and more than 35 locations, serving over 124,000 students annually. Together, its colleges play a vital role in delivering workforce-aligned education, expanding economic mobility, and serving as the first and best path to opportunity for Coloradans of all backgrounds.
Media Contacts:
Front Range Community College
Jessica Peterson, Communications Director
Jessica.peterson@frontrange.edu
(303) 404-5133
All Within My Hands Foundation
Renee Richardson, Director of Philanthropy
(415) 458-1532 x10
American Association of Community Colleges
Dr. Meghan Gibbons, Chief Strategy & Impact Officer
202-744-9288
