Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI)

Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI)

Funder: All Within My Hands (AWMH), created by Metallica members and management

Geographic Scope: 75 community colleges across all 50 United States and Guam; Victor Valley College is Year 7 participant

Program Overview

The Metallica Scholars Initiative is a prestigious workforce initiative providing student scholarships for participants seeking industry-recognized certifications in Career Technical Education (CTE). VVC was selected to join Year 7 of this national program and received $5,000 in support.

Focus Areas

• Equipment operation and maintenance
• Forklift Operation
• General Industry Safety
• Maintenance Technician
• Manufacturing and skilled trades
• Diverse fields offering family-sustaining wages

Program Impact

• Year 7 (2025): MSI expanded to 75 colleges nationwide, expected to reach approximately 10,000 students
• Total MSI Grants: Approximately $3M in Year 7 (largest grant to date)
• Historical Performance: Independent research by USC Sol Price School of Public Policy found ROI of 8.3X (graduates earn 8.3X the program cost in first year wages)
• Launched in 2019; began with 10 colleges focused on Manufacturing, now expanded to diverse fields

Partner Organizations

• All Within My Hands (AWMH)
• American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)
• Lowe's Foundation ($1M in Year 7 support)
• Corporate partners: Carhartt, Wolverine, CNH

Eligibility

• Victor Valley College students seeking industry-recognized certifications
• Focus on Career Technical Education students

Contact Information

• Phone: 760-245-4271 ext. 2522
• Website: allwithinmyhands.org/metallica-scholars
• Address: 18422 Bear Valley Rd, Victorville, CA 92395