The Metallica Scholars Initiative, a collaboration between the band's own All Within My Hands foundation and the American Association of Community Colleges, is expanding from 10 to 15 schools in 2020 after successfully placing over 90% of participants in 2019. Each of the 15 schools involved will receive $100,000 toward programs designed to help students entering the American workforce.
"Our 2019 Metallica Scholars have exceeded expectations and inspired us in more ways than we could have possibly imagined,” said Metallica’s Lars Ulrich. "We’re really excited to be able to expand the initiative in its second year, assisting more students in achieving their dreams and transforming their lives in 2020."
"The impact of the Metallica Scholars Initiative has been extremely gratifying” said Dr. Edward Frank, Executive Director of All Within My Hands. “We are indebted to all the schools, the AACC, and co-sponsors for their dedication to making this program successful and their help in changing the lives of so many people. This transformative effect is exactly what the band and the board had hoped for when we started this program."
"The colossal reputation of Metallica has given these colleges, and the trades they are supporting, new life and attention,” said Jennifer Worth, AACC Senior Vice President, Workforce and Economic Development. "It has been an honor and a privilege to have the band’s and foundation board of directors’ trust to design and implement programs that will change the lives of hard working Americans looking to advance."
All 10 of the original schools involved in 2019 will participate again in 2020, while the new five schools have yet to be announced. The original 10 are:
- Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Clackamas Community College, Oregon City, Oregon
- College of Lake County, Grayslake, Illinois
- Community College of Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland
- Gateway Technical College, Kenosha, Wisconsin
- Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Lone Star College, The Woodlands, Texas
- North Idaho College, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
- Spokane Community College, Spokane, Washington
- Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, Wichita, Kansas
