All Within My Hands (AWMH), the charitable organization founded by the members and management of Metallica, has announced the seventh year of its Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) with its largest grant yet. The organization is investing approximately $3 million to expand the program, adding 15 new schools to its growing network. Each new institution will receive $75,000 to strengthen student experiences in career and technical education programs.
With this latest expansion, the Metallica Scholars Initiative will now reach 75 colleges across all 50 states and Guam, aiming to impact around 10,000 students. AWMH continues to collaborate with its long-time partner, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), to implement and grow the initiative.
Reflecting on the program’s growth, Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo shared: “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. 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.”
The Metallica Scholars Initiative launched in 2019, starting with 10 colleges focused primarily on manufacturing programs. Since then, it has broadened to cover various fields that equip students with the skills necessary for stable, well-paying careers. The new curriculum offerings in Year 7 include Air Traffic Control, Agricultural Technologies, Fire Technologies, and AI. These complement more traditional trades like Construction, Welding, Commercial Driving Licensing, and Advanced Manufacturing. So far, AWMH has invested over $13.5 million in workforce development.
To assess the impact of the initiative, the University of Southern California (USC) Sol Price School of Public Policy conducted independent research on the program’s return on investment (ROI). The study analyzed data from Year 6 community colleges, spanning over 350 fields of study, evaluating the costs of program completion against expected post-graduation salaries. The research found that the average ROI for MSI programs is an impressive 8.3X, meaning graduates typically earn more than eight times the cost of their program in their first year of employment.
The study also highlighted some of the most promising and highest-paying fields for Metallica Scholars, including roles such as Information Security Analysts, Software Developers, and Occupational Therapy Assistants. Robotics and Mechatronics, Dental Hygienists, and Air Traffic Controllers were identified as lucrative career paths within the trades.
Peter Delgrosso, executive director of All Within My Hands, described the importance of this milestone year: “2025 is a watershed moment for the Metallica Scholars Initiative. With the addition of 15 new schools this fall and USC’s independent research articulating the strength of our results, we are eager to tackle the quantifiable shortage of skilled labor our nation faces. If we extrapolate these ROI numbers over a career, it demonstrates how effective and profitable learning a trade can be for the individual, and how society as a whole also benefits from community college graduates. This insight will profoundly affect MSI going forward, impacting how people view careers in the trades, encouraging more corporate and individual sponsorship, and driving its advancement across the country. We’re thrilled to incorporate these findings into this year’s planning and expansion.”
This year also marks a renewed partnership between All Within My Hands and the Lowe’s Foundation, which has pledged $1 million in support as part of its broader $50 million commitment to prepare 50,000 individuals for careers in the skilled trades over five years.
The initiative’s continued success is made possible through a collaborative network of support, including long-standing corporate partners like Carhartt, Wolverine, and new partner CNH, a global leader in agricultural and construction equipment. All Within My Hands also expressed gratitude to its executive and advisory board members, as well as the Metallica fanbase, who have supported the foundation’s mission since its inception.
Newly added Metallica Scholar colleges:
- Allan Hancock College – Santa Maria, CA
- Atlantic Cape Community College – Mays Landing, NJ
- Chattahoochee Valley Community College – Phenix City, AL
- College of Southern Idaho – Twin Falls, ID
- Community College of Beaver County – Monaca, PA
- De Anza College – Cupertino, CA
- Eastern New Mexico University–Ruidoso – Ruidoso, NM
- Ivy Tech Community College Columbus – Columbus, IN
- Laramie County Community College – Cheyenne, WY
- Leeward Community College – Pearl City, HI
- Mott Community College – Flint, MI
- Northeast Community College – Norfolk, NE
- Northland Pioneer College – Holbrook, AZ
- Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College – Orangeburg, SC
- Salish Kootenai College – Pablo, MT
For a complete list of all 75 colleges currently supported by AWMH, visit here.
