Rock on: Metallica foundation puts SLCC in its scholars initiative

South Louisiana Community College has announced its selection as one of the schools to join All Within My Hands Metallica Scholars Initiative.

The initiative continues its multimillion-dollar investment in critical workforce programs at community colleges nationwide. SLCC's inclusion signifies a significant step in providing transformative opportunities for students in the local community.

The Metallica Scholars Initiative, launched in 2019 by Metallica's foundation, AWMH, in partnership with the American Association of Community College, marks its fifth year with an ambitious expansion into new curricula.

With 42 community colleges now directly supported across 33 states, the initiative has already impacted over 6,000 students pursuing careers in the trades. To date, Metallica and AWMH have invested over $6 million in the American workforce, empowering individuals to fill essential jobs requiring specialized skills and training.

"The Metallica Scholars Initiative is so important to us because we are seeing results," said Lars Ulrich, Metallica's drummer. "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."

As part of this initiative, SLCC has been selected from a competitive pool of applicants to receive $100,000, enabling the college to strengthen its career and technical education offerings at the local level.

"We are honored and thrilled to join the prestigious Metallica Scholars Initiative," said Dr. Vincent June, chancellor of South Louisiana Community College.

"This generous investment reaffirms our commitment to career and technical education, providing incredible opportunities for more residents in Acadiana to move into high-demand, high-wage fields.

"We extend our deepest gratitude to Metallica's foundation, All Within My Hands, for their continued support and belief in the power of education to transform lives."

The Metallica Scholars Initiative has proven to be a strong and cooperative alliance of the nation's best community colleges, fostering a supportive climate for participants to communicate directly and share best practices. Peter Delgrosso, AWMH Executive Director, explains, "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."