Metallica's Charitable Foundation Renews WCC Scholars Initiative

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — For a third year, Westchester Community College has received a grant from the charitable foundation established by the members and management of Metallica in 2017 as a means to invest in the people and places that have supported the band

All Within My Hands funds a national program called the Scholars Initiative Grant to support students entering or furthering their careers in Advanced Manufacturing.

Led by the American Association of Community Colleges, the national program provides direct support for career and technical education programs and has a direct impact on job and wage growth, officials said. On average, students who complete the program see new job opportunities and increased salary potential up to three times higher than pre-program.

So far, nearly 300 WCC have students benefitted from the grant program.

"I am thankful that I have had support from Metallica, my school and my community,” said Kwame White, Metallica Scholar and SUNY WCC alumnus. “This award helped change my life because it helped me pay for my bills and put food on the table until I began working. This award has given me hope that there are people that believe in me and want me to do good and spread it in return."

Having grown from a concept to a thriving educational strategy that focuses on enhancing skills while providing services to students looking to enter a traditional trade or other applied learning program, the Metallica Scholars Initiative has generated a proven and measurable impact since its establishment in 2019. AWMH will replicate the program further by adding ten more schools to the roster, investing $1.8 million to expand in year four.

“Our goal for the Metallica Scholars Initiative is to shine a light on workforce education and support the next generation of tradespeople,” said Pete Delgrosso, Executive Director, All Within My Hands. “With the addition of the 2022-23 Metallica Scholars program, our grants will reach over 2,000 men and women in 32 community colleges across 27 states. We are honored to support these students of all ages and backgrounds and look forward to growing the program even farther in the future."

With this year's $25,000 grant, SUNY WCC will focus its efforts on programs that provide students with the opportunity to develop the skills increasingly needed in the regional job market. Students will take coursework in machine learning, CNC, and other National Institute of Metallurgy certified competencies that lead to high-skill, high-wage career pathways in advanced manufacturing.

No prior knowledge of manufacturing is necessary.

At WCC, job sectors and certifications include, but are not limited to:

Advanced Manufacturing

National Institute Metalworking Skills

• Measurements, Materials, and Safety
• Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout
• Machining Level I CNC Turning: Operations
• Machining Level I CNC Milling: Operation

The grant covers items like:

• Certification test prep courses
• Certification test registration fees
• Transportation
• Childcare costs
• Other costs associated with certification

“SUNY WCC is proud of our ongoing partnership with Metallica’s All Within My Hands to prepare our students for the in-demand careers that are amongst the drivers of our regional economy,” said President Dr. Belinda Miles. “In the current economic climate in which demand for well-prepared employees is high and the cost of living is rising rapidly, this generous grant provides the opportunity that can make a real difference for families throughout our region.”

To learn more about the Metallica Scholars Initiative at SUNY Westchester
Community College, please visit www.sunywcc.edu/metallica

About All Within My Hands (AWMH)

Established by the members and management of Metallica in 2017 as a means to invest in the people and places that have supported the band, the Foundation is focused on supporting sustainable communities through workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services. All expenses of the Foundation are covered by the band, the board, and a few special friends so that 100% of donations go to the organizations it supports. AWMH is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

About American Association of Community Colleges

As the voice of the nation’s community colleges, the AACC delivers educational and economic opportunity for more than 10 million diverse students searching for the American Dream. Uniquely dedicated to access and success for all students, AACC’s nearly 1,100 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.

About Westchester Community College

Westchester Community College provides over 24,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State. The college offers over 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as Cybersecurity, Health Information Technology, Respiratory Therapy, and Digital Filmmaking. The college reflects the rich diversity of its region, and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.