EMCC Rejoins Metallica Scholars Initiative, Putting Tools Within Reach for Trades Students

Eastern Maine Community College has been invited back to the Metallica Scholars Initiative for its eighth year, earning a $25,000 grant that will help skilled trades students afford something knowledge and hard work can’t replace, the tools of their trade.

The grant will fund the development of an affordable tool program for students in EMCC’s skilled trades programs. Students will gain easier access to the equipment their training requires. They’ll carry those tools with them as they begin their careers.

It’s EMCC’s third time as a Metallica Scholar, bringing the college’s total support through the initiative to $150,000.

“Many of our students are preparing for careers that require more than knowledge and determination. They also need access to the right tools and technology,” said EMCC President Dr. Julius Edwards. “This grant will help remove costs that can stand between a student and a successful start to their career. We are grateful to All Within My Hands and the American Association of Community Colleges for continuing to invest in our students and Maine’s skilled workforce.”

The Metallica Scholars Initiative is the workforce education program of All Within My Hands (AWMH), the nonprofit foundation created by the members and management of Metallica. Year 8 is the initiative’s largest to date, with more than $3.3 million committed. Eighteen new U.S. schools join 75 returning colleges for a total of 93. For the first time, the program is expanding internationally through a partnership with the Capital City College Group in London.

“This thing started as a dream. Now our program is changing lives,” said Metallica’s James Hetfield. “To expand our impact on a global scale and support even more students is so rewarding. It’s humbling to know we’ve been part of the journey of thousands of trade professionals doing good, hard work in the world.”

Launched in 2019 in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges, the initiative began by supporting conventional trades, welders, plumbers, electricians, and has since grown to include the fields shaping tomorrow’s workforce. Year 8 spans nursing and healthcare, optical systems technology, automotive repair, maritime manufacturing, firefighting and EMT training, pipefitting, and agricultural pathways. To date, the program has helped more than 13,000 community college students earn the skills needed for in-demand careers that pay family-sustaining wages.

A complete list of the 93 colleges supported by All Within My Hands is available at allwithinmyhands.org/metallica-scholars.