CT State Asnuntuck Announces Participation in Metallica Scholars Initiative

ENFIELD, Conn. — CT State Asnuntuck announced its selection as one of the community colleges invited to join year 7 of the prestigious Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI), supported by a $50,000 grant aimed at enhancing the student experience and career readiness within Asnuntuck’s advanced manufacturing technology programs.

“On behalf of my entire team at the CT State Asnuntuck Advanced Manufacturing Technology program, we are truly grateful for the generosity and support provided to our students from the All Within My Hands Foundation – Metallica Scholars Grant,” said Mary Bidwell, the program’s director. “This grant allows students to reach their academic objectives and start their careers in advanced manufacturing. The scholarship dollars they receive help them to purchase personal protective equipment, books, and supplies. As a result of the funding, students obtain their OSHA 10 card. We look forward to continuing to help more students this year with the $50,000 Metallica Scholars Grant award we received.”

All Within My Hands (AWMH), the nonprofit philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica, recently announced the seventh year of its Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) with its largest grant to date, totaling approximately $3 million. MSI now has a presence in 75 colleges across all 50 U.S. states and the territory of Guam, and is expected to reach approximately 10,000 students.

“I could not be any prouder of our Metallica Scholars. We know that our country needs millions of skilled tradespeople, and it warms my heart to know that our foundation’s efforts are making a positive impact and putting hard-working people on the path to careers in the trades,” said Robert Trujillo, a Metallica band member. “Whether it’s a school visit or a meet and greet before a show, there is no better feeling than meeting our Metallica Scholars in person and hearing their stories of grit and determination firsthand, along with their pride and commitment. It is truly inspiring. To think we started with a few schools and a couple hundred students, and we’re now in 75 schools nationwide, about to reach 10,000 students. It’s just incredible.”

Launched in 2019 by All Within My Hands in partnership with the American Assoc. of Community Colleges, MSI began with 10 colleges focused primarily on manufacturing programs. The workforce initiative has since expanded to offer opportunities in diverse fields for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to establish meaningful careers that provide family-sustaining wages.

Year seven also marks the renewal of AWMH’s partnership with the Lowe’s Foundation, which has provided $1 million in support as part of its five-year, $50 million commitment to prepare 50,000 people for skilled trades careers.