MATC Continues Participation in Metallica Workforce Education Program
Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) will for the third straight year participate in the prestigious Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI), an effort by the band and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) to support “heavy metal” careers such as automotive/diesel, CNC machining, HVAC, trucking and welding.
All Within My Hands (AWMH), a nonprofit established by the members and management of the band, announced last week that 18 more community colleges will each receive $75,000 as part of the largest expansion of the MSI to date. The initiative now reaches 60 colleges across all 50 states and the territory of Guam.
In July 2022, MATC was selected from a competitive field of community colleges across the country to receive $100,000 from AWMH.
“MATC is proud to be part of this program, which continues the commitment and legacy of offering transformative educational opportunities that lead to meaningful high-demand and high-wage jobs,” said MATC President Anthony Cruz, Ed.D. “Our continued partnership with AWMH aligns with our focus on enrolling students in high-quality, in-demand programs that meet local employer and community needs, leading to rewarding careers that provide family-supporting wages.”
The Metallica grant also helped fund the Heavy Metal Tour event at MATC’s Oak Creek Campus. Area high school students who participated in the tour explored and experienced careers in manufacturing such as computerized equipment, robotics, welding, building automated systems, tool and die making, diesel powertrain servicing, and automotive maintenance.
“We are incredibly honored to continue as a Metallica Scholars community college in this prestigious initiative,” said Rebecca Alsup, dean of MATC’s Manufacturing, Construction and Transportation Academic and Career Pathway.
“These grants equip our students with essential PPE, hands-on learning, workplace visits, career awareness and job readiness, and technical skills competencies, ensuring they are highly marketable in the workforce,” said Carol Voss, associate dean of MATC’s Manufacturing, Construction and Transportation Academic and Career Pathway. “We are proud to launch the careers of our students with the solid foundation and unique recognition that comes with being a Metallica Scholar. Thanks to this support, our students are ‘ready to rock’ their future and excel in the manufacturing, construction and transportation sectors.”
Launched in 2019 by AWMH in partnership with the AACC, the MSI began with 10 colleges and primarily manufacturing programs. With steady development by creative and dedicated leadership, MSI offers diverse workforce opportunities for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to find meaningful and well-paying careers. Additional curricula will include construction, health care, and engineering, contributing to more than 25 fields of study offered within the Initiative. To date, AWMH has invested over $10.5M in the American workforce, reaffirming a commitment to career and technical education at the local level.
“I am happy to congratulate the newest Metallica Scholars Initiative colleges. The sustained investment in workforce education by the All Within My Hands Foundation has benefited thousands of community college students,” said Walter G. Bumphus, president and CEO of AACC. “This work helps to advance skills education and the nation’s workforce pipeline. We are honored to continue this partnership to provide critical resources that eliminate barriers for students to participate in skills education programs that lead to family-sustaining wage careers.”
By the end of year six, Metallica Scholars Initiative estimates that it will have helped more than 8,000 students with a wide range of backgrounds and ages gain skills to assist in finding meaningful jobs and careers. Metallica Scholars are often considered non-traditional students, as many have families they support or are the first in their families to pursue a college education. AWMH and AACC aim to connect students to skill-building opportunities and bridge the talent needs of the American workforce, all while utilizing the community college system, which is the most affordable, flexible, and industry-relevant applied-learning training provider in the country.
“Metallica, through their foundation, is changing how people view and engage with the trades in this country, and it is working,” stated Peter Delgrosso, executive director of All Within My Hands. “Metallica Scholars are diverse, motivated, and ambitious, and we are here to help them reach their goals. I am so proud and honored to be able to announce entrance into all 50 states as this is a significant milestone for not only our foundation but the incredible community we have helped foster and connect.”
For a complete list of all 60 colleges currently supported by AWMH, visit https://www.allwithinmyhands.org/who-we-support/metallica-gives-back/metallica-scholars.html
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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