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Metallica’s non-profit All Within My Hands Foundation has announced that its Metallica Scholars Initiative is launching its seventh year by committing $3 million to workforce education. The initiative is also bringing 15 new colleges into the fold, raising the total number of participating schools to 75 across all 50 US states and the territory of Guam, reaching an estimated 10,000 students.
Founded in 2019 in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the Metallica Scholars Initiative began with a modest 10 schools focused on manufacturing. Today, it supports a wide range of career and technical education fields including AI, Air Traffic Control, Agricultural Technologies, Construction, Welding, Commercial Driving, and Advanced Manufacturing — all high-demand, well-paying sectors in the American workforce.
Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo stated, “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.”
He added, “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.”
A recent independent study conducted by the University of Southern California’s Sol Price School of Public Policy evaluated the program’s effectiveness, revealing a significant 8.3X median return on investment. This means that, on average, students earn over eight times their program cost in the first year after graduation — a compelling statistic in today’s tight labor market.
As part of the $3 million grant, the 15 new schools will receive $75,000 each. This year also includes renewed support from the Lowe’s Foundation, which has contributed $1 million as part of its broader commitment to skilled trades, as well as ongoing partnerships with Carhartt, Wolverine, and new partner CNH Industrial.
For a full list of participating schools and more information, visit the official All Within My Hands Foundation website. Earlier this year, the foundation donated $500,000 to Los Angeles fire relief.
English (US) · 